STEP Prep Module 9

STEP Prep Module 9

Proof by induction is a really useful way of proving results about the natural numbers. If you haven't met this powerful technique before, this module will introduce you to the idea and method of induction. If you're already familiar, check out some of the problems and STEP questions that can be answered in this way!

An Introduction to Mathematical Induction

Stage: 5

This article gives an introduction to mathematical induction, a powerful method of mathematical proof.

Some Induction Examples

Stage: 5

Some statements which can be proved using induction, and some example proofs.

Dirisibly Yours

Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

Find and explain a short and neat proof that 5^(2n+1) + 11^(2n+1) + 17^(2n+1) is divisible by 33 for every non negative integer n.

Tens

Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

When is $7^n + 3^n$ a multiple of 10? Can you prove the result by two different methods?

STEP Induction Questions

Stage: 5

Some STEP questions that can be solved using induction, and a worked example.