If P(n) is the statement “n(n + 1) is even”, then what is P(3)?

n3 – 7n + 3 is divisible by 3 for all n ϵ N.

Let P(n) = n3 – 7n + 3


Now, P(n): n3 – 7n + 3 is divisible by 3 for all n ϵ N


Step1:


P(1) = 1 – 7 + 3 = -3


Thus, P(1) is divisible by 3


Step2:


Let, P(m) be divisible by 24


Then, n3 – 7n + 3 = 3λ, where λ ϵ N.


Now, we need to show that P(m+1) is true whenever P(m) is true.


So, P(m+1) = (n+1)3 – 7(n+1) + 3


= n3+3n2+3n+1-7n-7+3


= n3– 7n + 3 +3n2+3n+1-7


= 3λ+3(n2+n-2)


= 3(λ+n2+n-2)


Thus, P(m+1) is true.


So, by the principle of mathematical induction, P(n) is true for all n ϵN.


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