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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Mathematics » Synopsis on Principle of Mathematical Induction

Synopsis on Principle of Mathematical Induction

Mathematical induction is a strategy for proving a statement, theorem, or formula that is considered to be true, for each and every natural number n. This may be done by assuming that the statement, theorem, or formula is valid. By generalising this into the form of a principle, which we would use to prove any mathematical assertion, we get what is known as the "Principle of Mathematical Induction."

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Mathematical induction is a method that may be used to prove a statement, theorem, or formula that is presumed to be correct, and it can be used for all of the natural numbers.

(The non-zero integers that are utilised for counting are referred to as natural numbers. They begin at 1, and continue to increase in an endless fashion. In order to designate them, we will use the symbol N. The natural numbers are always positive and never include any fractional parts of themselves. The number zero is not regarded to be one of the natural numbers.

The process of generalising this into the form of a principle that we may apply to verify any mathematical assertion is referred to as the “principle of mathematical induction.”

Mathematical Induction: A Statement of the Problem and Its Solution Mathematical Induction: A Statement of the Problem Proof

1) The base case, also known as the basis, proves the proposition for n = 0 without supposing any prior knowledge of any other situations. This is the first step in an inductive demonstration.

2) The second example, which is the inductive step, demonstrates that if the statement is valid for any particular instance of n = k, then it must also be valid for the subsequent instance of n = k + 1.

These demonstrate that the aforementioned assertion is valid for all natural numbers n.

Let’s take a look at a statement called P(n), where n represents a natural integer. Then, in order to ascertain whether or not P(n) is valid for each and every n, we may apply the following principle:

  • First, determine if the provided statement is accurate when n is equal to 1.(BaseCase)
  • The second step is to make the assumption that the previously presented assertion P(n) is equally true when n equals k, where k can be any positive integer. (Inductive Hypothesis)
  • Step 3: Convince yourself that the conclusion is valid for P(k+1) using any positive integer k as the variable.

It is possible to draw the conclusion that the statement P(n) is correct for all n natural numbers if the requirements that were discussed before are met. Consequently, this strategy is known as the mathematical induction formula.

Conclusion

The method of reasoning known as induction serves as the cornerstone of scientific reasoning and is frequently applied in mathematical discourse. The gathering and examination of data is a standard practice in scientific reasoning; hence, mathematical induction employs the same standard practises in order to generalise specific facts or instances.

In algebra and other areas of mathematics that require the framing of conclusions or assertions in terms of “n,” the principle of mathematical induction is utilised. We employ a collection of well-established and well-suited ideas presented in a particular style in order to demonstrate the fundamental concept that underpins ‘n,’ which is a positive integer. The methodologies that are applied in the process of proving propositions in relation to “n” are referred to as the principles of mathematical induction.

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What is meant by the term "proof through induction"?

Answer. One approach to the study of mathematical induction involves proving not just one thesis but rather a full c...Read full

Please provide two real-world illustrations of mathematical induction.

Answer. The ability to think mathematically is vital because it enables us to have a better grasp of issues and, as ...Read full

What does mathematical induction imply?

Answer.The term “mathematical induction” refers to a method for determining natural number outcomes. Thi...Read full

Write down the two steps involved in the mathematical induction principles?

Answer- The following are the two stages required in proving the statement:...Read full

What is the difference between weak and strong induction?

Answer. At the kth stage of weak induction, it is assumed that just one proposition is true. In strong induction, ho...Read full

Answer. One approach to the study of mathematical induction involves proving not just one thesis but rather a full chain of propositions, one proposition for each value of n.

To use mathematical induction, you must first demonstrate that the initial statement in the series is true. After that, you must demonstrate that if any specific statement is true, then the one that follows it must also be true. This helps us to reach the conclusion that every one of the claims is correct.

Alternatives to the Induction Basis of 0 or 1

If one desires to prove a statement not for all natural numbers, but rather just for all numbers n that are larger than or equal to a certain number b, then the proof by induction consists of the following steps:

  • Providing evidence that the assertion is correct when n=b
  • demonstrating that if the assertion is true for any random integer, then the same statement must also be true for n+1

Answer. The ability to think mathematically is vital because it enables us to have a better grasp of issues and, as a result, find solutions in a more effective manner. Thinking mathematically and using logical reasoning go hand in hand with each other. Thinking deductively provides the foundation for the second option. Deductive reasoning, on the other hand, is founded not only on comprehension but also on logic.

Take, for instance:

  • There is a canine known as the German shepherd.
  • The canine species as a whole have an extraordinary capacity for hearing.
  • The German shepherd has an amazing ear for music and other sounds.

Now, if assertions a) and b) are both accurate, then statement c) must also be correct. This line of thinking may also be used for mathematical problems; should we see how this is done?

  • The number sixteen can be divided by two.
  • An even number is a number that may be evenly divided by two.
  • Sixteen is an even number.
  • The above illustration provides us with a clue of deduction.

Answer.The term “mathematical induction” refers to a method for determining natural number outcomes. This approach is typically used to demonstrate that a statement or theorem is true for all natural numbers.

Answer- The following are the two stages required in proving the statement:

  • Demonstrating that the provided assertion is correct for the given value. This is referred to as the first step.
  • Prove that the assertion is true for the nth number, and that it is also true for the (n+1)th iteration in step 2.

Answer. At the kth stage of weak induction, it is assumed that just one proposition is true. In strong induction, however, the supplied assertion is true for all stages from the first to the kth.

Three main methods of mathematical induction should be mentioned.

  • The following are the several forms of mathematical induction:
  • Mathematical induction’s first principle
  • Mathematical induction’s second principle
  • Mathematical induction’s second principle (variation)

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