Line 3: Line 3:
 
     Idea: Prove <math>P_0</math> explicitly.
 
     Idea: Prove <math>P_0</math> explicitly.
 
           Design a crank/elevator that proves the following
 
           Design a crank/elevator that proves the following
            Since <math>P_0</math> has been proven to be true, it shows that there is at least one<math>P_i</math> which is true.
+
            Since <math>P_0</math> has been proven to be true, it shows that there is at least one<math>P_i</math> which is true.
We have to show that <math>P_{i+1}</math> is also true.
+
            We have to show that <math>P_{i+1}</math> is also true.
 
           Then, induction guarantees that every <math>P_i</math> is true.
 
           Then, induction guarantees that every <math>P_i</math> is true.

Revision as of 19:01, 6 September 2008

The Principle of Induction:

    Goal: Collection of statements $ P_0,P_1...P_i $ that we want to prove.
    Idea: Prove $ P_0 $ explicitly.
          Design a crank/elevator that proves the following
           Since $ P_0 $ has been proven to be true, it shows that there is at least one$ P_i $ which is true.
           We have to show that $ P_{i+1} $ is also true.
          Then, induction guarantees that every $ P_i $ is true.

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To all math majors: "Mathematics is a wonderfully rich subject."

Dr. Paul Garrett