Lecture

Mathematical Induction: Principle and Example

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Description

This lecture introduces the principle of mathematical induction, demonstrating its application through an example where the sum of consecutive odd numbers is proven. Starting with the base case and the induction step, the instructor shows how to establish the validity of the statement for all natural numbers.

In MOOCs (2)

Analysis I

This course covers : Part 1: Prelude, basic concepts, real numbers. Part 2: Introduction to complex numbers. Part 3: Real number sequences I and II. Part 4: Limit of a function, continuous functions. Part 5: Continuous functions and derivable functions, the derivative function. Part 6: Studies of functions, limited developments. Part 7: Indefinite and definite integrals, integration (selected chapters).

Analysis I (part 1): Prelude, basic concepts, real numbers

Can you calculate the value of sin(π/4)? Does the identity ln(xy)=ln(x)+ln(y) sound familiar? In the prelude we recall and expand on a few such notions, in particular the trigonometric functions sin, cos and tan and their properties, the concept of reciprocal functions such as exp and ln, some calculation rules concerning powers, logarithms and roots, sets and functions. Next we discuss number systems: based on the "intuitive" notion of the natural integers N={0,1,2,3,...}, we rigorously define the rational

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Related concepts (20)

Mathematical proof

A mathematical proof is a deductive argument for a mathematical statement, showing that the stated assumptions logically guarantee the conclusion. The argument may use other previously established statements, such as theorems; but every proof can, in principle, be constructed using only certain basic or original assumptions known as axioms, along with the accepted rules of inference. Proofs are examples of exhaustive deductive reasoning which establish logical certainty, to be distinguished from empirical arguments or non-exhaustive inductive reasoning which establish "reasonable expectation".

Inductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning is a method of reasoning in which a general principle is derived from a body of observations. It consists of making broad generalizations based on specific observations. Inductive reasoning is distinct from deductive reasoning, where the conclusion of a deductive argument is certain given the premises are correct; in contrast, the truth of the conclusion of an inductive argument is probable, based upon the evidence given.

Mathematical induction

Mathematical induction is a method for proving that a statement is true for every natural number , that is, that the infinitely many cases all hold. Informal metaphors help to explain this technique, such as falling dominoes or climbing a ladder: Mathematical induction proves that we can climb as high as we like on a ladder, by proving that we can climb onto the bottom rung (the basis) and that from each rung we can climb up to the next one (the step). A proof by induction consists of two cases.

Deductive reasoning

Deductive reasoning is the mental process of drawing deductive inferences. An inference is deductively valid if its conclusion follows logically from its premises, i.e. it is impossible for the premises to be true and the conclusion to be false. For example, the inference from the premises "all men are mortal" and "Socrates is a man" to the conclusion "Socrates is mortal" is deductively valid. An argument is sound if it is valid and all its premises are true.

Proof theory

Proof theory is a major branch of mathematical logic and theoretical computer science within which proofs are treated as formal mathematical objects, facilitating their analysis by mathematical techniques. Proofs are typically presented as inductively-defined data structures such as lists, boxed lists, or trees, which are constructed according to the axioms and rules of inference of a given logical system. Consequently, proof theory is syntactic in nature, in contrast to model theory, which is semantic in nature.

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