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MATH1001/2006-07

Chapter 0

Introduction

In mathematics, we use logical reasoning and logical arguments to deduce

theorems from basic assumptions (called axioms).
Example

If n is a positive integer, then

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12 + 22 + 32 + . . . + n2 = n(n + 1)(2n + 1).
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(1)

Here n is a positive integer is our assumption and the identity is the

consequence we want to prove.
Proof For n = 1,
LHS = 12 = 1 =RHS.
For n = 2,
LHS = 12 + 22 = 5 = RHS.
For n = 3,
LHS = 12 + 22 + 32 = 14 = RHS,

and so on . . ..
Is this Proof valid?
Example

For any positive integer n, n2 + n + 41 is a prime number.

Here n is a positive integer is our assumption, and n2 + n + 41 is a prime

number is the conclusion we wish to prove.
Proof For n = 1, we get 43, which is a prime number.
For n = 2, we get 47, which is a prime number.
For n = 3, we get 53, which is a prime number.

for n = 4, we get 61, which is a prime number, and so on . . ..

Is this proof valid?
Proof by mathematical induction.
For any positive integer n, let P (n) denote the identity
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1 + 2 + 3 + . . . + n = n(n + 1)(2n + 1).
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First P (1) is true.

Suppose k is any positive integer and P (k) is true.

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1 + 2 + 3 + . . . + k + (k + 1) = k(k + 1)(2k + 1) + (k + 1)2
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= (k + 1)(k + 2)(2k + 3).
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Hence P (k + 1) is also true. By the principle of mathematical induction, P (n) is

true for all positive integers n.
What is the principle of mathematical induction?
In a certain town, there is only one barber, Mr. Lee, who shaves all those and
only those who do not shave themselves. Who shaves Mr. Lee?
What is the sum of all the interior angles of a triangle?

Does the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, . . . , } have more elements than the set
{2, 4, 6, 8, . . .}?

What is 2?

What is 3?