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.