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Principle of Mathematical Induction


The principle of mathematical induction states that the truth of an infinite sequence of propositions P_i for i=1, ..., infty is established if (1) P_1 is true, and (2) P_k implies P_(k+1) for all k. This principle is sometimes also known as the method of induction.


See also

Induction

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References

Apostol, T. M. "The Principle of Mathematical Induction." §I 4.2 in Calculus, 2nd ed., Vol. 1: One-Variable Calculus, with an Introduction to Linear Algebra. Waltham, MA: Blaisdell, p. 34, 1967.Courant, R. and Robbins, H. "The Principle of Mathematical Induction" and "Further Remarks on Mathematical Induction." §1.2.1 and 1.7 in What Is Mathematics?: An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods, 2nd ed. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, pp. 9-11 and 18-20, 1996.

Cite this as:

Weisstein, Eric W. "Principle of Mathematical Induction." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/PrincipleofMathematicalInduction.html

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