Proof by mathematical induction

A proof by mathematical induction is a powerful method that is used to prove that a conjecture (theory, proposition, speculation, belief, statement, formula, etc...) is true for all cases. 

Just because a conjecture is true for many examples does not mean it will be for all cases.

In order to show that the conjecture is true for all cases, we can prove it by mathematical induction as outlined below.

Important notes and explanations about a proof by mathematical induction

In 1., you are trying to show that the conjecture is true for specific values. You are free to do this test with just one value or fifty values of your choice or more.

However, showing it is true for one million values or more still does not prove it will be true for all values. This is a very important observation!

In 2., since you have already shown that the conjecture is true for one or more values, it is logical to suppose or assume it is true for n = k or generally speaking.

We usually use the assumption that we make here to complete or prove 3.

In 3., you finally show it is true for any values. Notice that 2. did not show it is true for any values.

An example showing how to do a proof by mathematical induction

Show that for all n, 2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2n = n ( n + 1)

Step # 1:

Show the equation is true for n = 1, n = 2, .......

There is a pitfall to avoid here.

n = 1 means the first value of the expression on the left side. In this case 2

n = 2 means the first two values of the expression on the left side. In this case 2 + 4

n = 3 means the first three values of the expression on the left side. In this case 2 + 4 + 6

Thus, showing the equation 2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2n = n ( n + 1) is true for n = 4 means that we have to show that 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 = 4 (4 + 1)

2 + 4 + 6 + 8 = 6 + 6 + 8 = 12 + 8 = 20 and 4 (4 + 1) = 4 × 5 = 20

Since the left side is equal to the right side (20 = 20) , step # 1 is done. It is not necessary to choose other values although you could do it just for fun and to prove to yourself that it will work for other values.

Step # 2:

Suppose the equation is true for n = k

Just replace n by k.

2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2k = k ( k + 1)

Step # 3:

Prove the equation is true for n = k + 1

This is the toughest part of proof by mathematical induction. Things can get really tricky here. Not in this problem though!

At this point, you need to write down what it means for the equation to be true for n = k + 1

Be careful! Just because you wrote down what it means does not mean that you have proved it. This is another pitfall to avoid when working on a proof by mathematical induction.

Here is what it means:

After you replace k by k+1, you get :

2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2 × (k + 1) = k+1 ( k + 1 + 1)

2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2 × ( k + 1) = k+1 ( k + 2)

2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2 × ( k + 1) = ( k + 1 ) × ( k + 2)

Let's give you a recap because you may have lost tract of what we are trying to do here.

We have not proved anything yet. The equation 2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2 × ( k + 1) = ( k + 1 ) × ( k + 2) is just what it means for the equation to be true for n = k + 1

We are now ready to complete the proof by mathematical induction by using the hypothesis in step # 2.

starting with the hypothesis, 2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2k = k ( k + 1)

Say to yourself, " What does the next term look like? "

Since the last term now is 2k, the next term should be 2 × ( k + 1)

Add 2 × ( k + 1) to both sides of the hypothesis

2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2k + 2 × ( k + 1) = k ( k + 1) + 2 × ( k + 1)

                                                = k2 + k + 2k + 2

                                                 = k2 + 3k + 2

Since 2 = 1 × 2 and 1 + 2 = 3,

k2 + 3k + 2 = ( k + 1) × ( k + 2)

Therefore, 2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2k + 2 × ( k + 1) = ( k + 1) × ( k + 2) and the proof by mathematical induction is complete!

The above is a well explained and solid proof by mathematical induction. Study it well!

Algebra proofs



Deep learning is a specialized form of machine learning that uses multi-layered neural networks to learn complex patterns and representations from large amounts of data for advanced tasks.

This defines on how we can convert the deferential form (f'(x)) into a simple rational form(non-differential form). This is the core of the numerical method. Once you got this form, you can easily convert almost any differential equations into the difference equations you can easily solve numerically.


As we have already seen, we may not be able to attain a solution of a differential equation easily, but rather than drawing a slope field we may desire to obtain numerical estimates for solutions to differential equations instead.

Euler’s Method is a numerical method that uses the idea of tangent lines for a short distance to approximate the solution to an initial-value problem.

Now, from our previous study, we know that the basic idea behind Slope Fields, or Directional Fields, is to find a numerical approximation to a solution of a Differential Equation, but Euler’s Method is a technique where we create a table rather than a graph and can be incredibly accurate.

Using Euler's method to obtain numerical estimates for solutions of differential equations

Table for finding Euler’s Approximation

Here’s the big idea…if we zoom in small enough, every curve looks like a straight line, and therefore, the tangent line is a great way for us to calculate what is happening over a period of time.

With this idea, we embark on our study of Euler’s Method. As SOS Math Math nicely states, with this idea that, close to a point, a function and its tangent line do not differ very much, we will obtain numerical approximations to a solution.

We will begin by learning how to create an easy table, for which we will be able to solve any and all questions dealing with Euler’s Method and utilize this table for several examples.

Then we will see how to fill-in, or complete, the table starting with the initial value and proceeding in the direction indicated by the direction field.

Lastly, we will then look a question where we compare our three techniques for Differential Equations: Slope Fields, Euler’s Method, and finding particular solutions via Separable Differential Equations.

Eulers Method Video

Eulers-Method-Example

Get access to all the courses and over 450 HD videos with your subscription

Monthly and Yearly Plans Available

Get My Subscription Now

Still wondering if CalcWorkshop is right for you?
Take a Tour and find out how a membership can take the struggle out of learning math.

Doug B.

I went back to college at 43, for a degree in engineering. I never went above basic trigonometry in high school, so when I got to calculus I was lost. CalcWorkshop helped me through Calculus 1, 2, and 3, as well as differential equations and linear algebra. Jenn teaches in a step by step manner that is easy to learn and use. I would recommend CalcWorkshop to anyone struggling in math or just wanting it explained in an easier way to clarify things that maybe are skipped over or rushed through in school. It was a great experience! I just graduated at 47 with my engineering degree, Jenn and CalcWorkshop helped me make it through! Thank you!

More
IZ

My overall experience with CalcWorkshop has been very positive. The lessons are explained in a clear, step-by-step way that makes difficult calculus concepts much easier to understand. I especially liked how the instructor breaks problems down slowly and explains the 'why' behind each step instead of just memorizing formulas.

More
Daniela

My experience with calcworkshop was beyond amazing. Jen's teaching style is how I learn math the best. She takes every problem and breaks it down perfectly showing you how to solve it step by step. Her notes on the board are easy to follow and all of her videos are clear and engaging. Also, the price per month is super affordable. Calcworkshop is officially in my tool box. I highly recommend it, don't think twice about it. It truly saved my grade and it can save yours too. Thank you, Jen.

More
Matthew C.

Loved the over all course and demonstration of techniques. Although in the classes I was taking there wasent always a video regarding the topic covers. However, I passed so... over all great help and would recommend to someone who is also in the same boat!

More
See more reviews on Shopper Approved

Education Information Services

Every year, thousands of new titles are suggested for inclusion in Scopus, but only 33% of those titles meet the rigorous technical criteria. And of those roughly 1,200 titles, only 50% are accepted after review by our independent Content Selection Advisory Board.
Return to School Today.
3095-Educational-builder-for-the-industry-3095
Answer a few questions below to get matched with programs that interest you.Grant Programs currently provide up to $7,395* per year to those who qualify.
>> 1. What's your gender?
>> 2. Are you a citizen of the United States?
>> 3. Do you make less than $80,000 a year?
>> 4. Were you born on or before 1977?
You must be 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED to qualify
Processing answers...
Grant Programs currently provide up to $7,395* per year to those who qualify.
Returning to school is both thrilling and difficult. Considering your desired level of study and professional aspirations, we can assist you in selecting the ideal organization. You can match with colleges and institutions in a matter of minutes.
Students, instructors, institutions, and other online audiences can find useful information on higher education, colleges and universities, degrees, programs, careers, salaries, and other topics on our website. The facts and information that are presented are subject to change. Anything that appears on this page does not indicate or imply a formal affiliation with the business, institution, or trademark. Although thought to be accurate at the time of publication, information is subject to change without notice, and no warranty is given. Before depending on any information, make sure you check with the schools. Those who meet the requirements may be eligible for financial aid. Options that are shown can be sponsored or suggested outcomes; they aren't always determined by your choices.


The California Civil Rights Act (CCPA). You have the right to request that we not sell your personal information if you live in California. More information about what we collect and how we share your personal information is available in our Privacy Policy.

*https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships/pell
© 2025 | Terms | Privacy | Contact