Prove the following using the principle of mathematical induction for all n N

n (n + 1) (n + 5) is a multiple of 3.


Let the given statement be P(n), as

P(n):n(n + 1)(n + 5) is a multiple of 3.


First, we check if it is true for n = 1,


P(1):1(2)(6) = 12 is a multiple of 3;


It is true for n = 1.


Now we assume that it is true for some positive integer k, such that


P(k):k(k + 1)(k + 5) = 3m where m N


We shall prove that P(k + 1)is true,


P(k + 1):(k + 1)(k + 2)(k + 5 + 1)


(k + 1)(k + 2)(k + 5) + (k + 1)(k + 2)


k(k + 1)(k + 5) + (2)(k + 1)(k + 5) + (k + 1)(k + 2)


3m + (k + 1)[2k + 10 + k + 2]


3m + (k + 2)(3k + 12)


3m + 3(k + 2)(k + 4)


3[m + (k + 2)(k + 4)]


We proved that P(k + 1) is true.


Hence by principle of mathematical induction it is true for all n N.


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