Mathematical Induction

Process
Prove that the sum of the first n natural
numbers is given by this formula:

1+2+3++ n=

n ( n+1 )
2

Step 1

Basic Fact

Step 2

Induction Assumption/
Hypothesis

Step 3

Show that all the

previous statements are
true still when you add
the next instance.
i.e. S(k)+(k+1) = S(k+1)

Step 4

The language used to

conclude the proof.

Mathematical Induction
Process
Prove that the sum of the first n natural
numbers is given by this formula:

1+2+3++ n=

n ( n+1 )
2

Step 1

Basic Fact

Step 2

Induction Assumption/
Hypothesis

Step 3

Show that all the

previous statements are
true still when you add
the next instance.
i.e. S(k)+(k+1) = S(k+1)

Step 4

The language used to

conclude the proof.