Using the principle of mathematical induction, prove each of the following for all n ϵ N:

(23n – 1) is a multiple of 7


To Prove:


, which is multiple of 7


Let us prove this question by principle of mathematical induction (PMI) for all natural numbers


is multiple of 7


Let P(n): , which is multiple of 7


For n = 1 P(n) is true since , which is multiple of 7


Assume P(k) is true for some positive integer k , ie,


= , where m N …(1)


We will now prove that P(k + 1) is true whenever P( k ) is true


Consider ,




[Adding and subtracting ]



[ Using 1 ]




, where r = is a natural number


Therefore is multiple of 7


Therefore, P (k + 1) is true whenever P(k) is true


By the principle of mathematical induction, P(n) is true for all natural numbers ie, N


Hence proved


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