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.

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A curve has the equation (5-4x)/(1+x)


The quadratic equation x^2-6x+14=0 has roots alpha and beta. a) Write down the value of alpha+beta and the value of alpha*beta. b) Find a quadratic equation, with integer coefficients which has roots alpha/beta and beta/alpha.


A line has Cartesian equations x−p = (y+2)/q = 3−z and a plane has equation r ∙ [1,−1,−2] = −3. In the case where the angle θ between the line and the plane satisfies sin⁡θ=1/√6 and the line intersects the plane at z = 0. Find p and q.


A parabola with equation y^2=4ax for constant a is translated by the vector (2,3) to give the curve C. The curve C passes through the point (4,7), what is the value of a?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences