How do I construct a proof by induction?

There are typically 4 steps: proving the base case, making an assumption, making the inductive step and finally concluding the proof.

The base case consists of proving that a statement is true for n = 1, the assumption to make is that the statement holds true for n = k, the trickiest part is the inductive step which is proving that the statement is true for n = k + 1 as long as it is true for n = k, and finally the simplest part is wrapping up the proof with a concise statement.

An example of a statement to prove is that n^3 + 2n is always divisible by 3 which I can go through using the whiteboard if needed.

AF
Answered by Alex F. Further Mathematics tutor

3354 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Prove by induction that 2^(6n)+3^(2n-2) is divsible by 5. (AS Further pure)


Using graphs, show how the Taylor expansion can be used to approximate a trigonometric function.


How do I integrate (sin x)^6?


Differentiate w.r.t x the expression arccos(x).


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning