Just because a conjecture is true for many examples does not mean it will be for all cases. You may assume that the result is true for a triangle. I would expect to see a thorough discussion in any book devoted to induction. Of course, a few examples never hurt. PROOFS BY INDUCTION PER ALEXANDERSSON Introduction This is a collection of various proofs using induction. The principle of mathematical induction is used to prove that a given proposition (formula, equality, inequality…) is true for all positive integer numbers greater than or equal to some integer N. Let us denote the proposition in question by P (n), where n is a positive integer. Show it is true for first case, usually n=1; Step 2. If not, then the least boring integer is an interesting number. Mathematical Induction Examples . This document is here to give you several examples of good induction. The problems are organized by mathematical eld. Induction is really important, so the best thing to understand induction is to do it yourself. Now we have an eclectic collection of miscellaneous things which can be proved by induction. With well ordering you can tell the classic joke: every positive integer is interesting. While it discusses briefly how induction works, you are encouraged to read the Induction Handout for a more thorough discussion of induction. A proof by mathematical induction is a powerful method that is used to prove that a conjecture (theory, proposition, speculation, belief, statement, formula, etc...) is true for all cases. Mathematical Induction Examples : Here we are going to see some mathematical induction problems with solutions. 37. Define mathematical induction : Mathematical Induction is a method or technique of proving mathematical results or theorems. Induction Examples. Give a formal inductive proof that the sum of the interior angles of a convex polygon with n sides is (n−2)π. Note - a convex polygon is one where all the interior angles are smaller than π radians. In the world of numbers we say: Step 1. I have tried to include many of the classical problems, such as the Tower of Hanoi, the Art gallery problem, Fibonacci problems, as well as other traditional examples. Step 1 is usually easy, we just have to prove it is true for n=1. That is how Mathematical Induction works. The process of induction involves the following steps. Show that if n=k is true then n=k+1 is also true; How to Do it . Step 2 is best done this way: Assume it is true for n=k; Prove it is true for n=k+1 (we can use the n=k case as a fact.) Many induction proofs are nice(r) when they use well ordering, so starting from the smallest counterexample (if any). Examples of where induction fails (page 2 of 3) Sections: Introduction , Examples of where induction fails, Worked examples If you're anything like I was, you're probably feeling a bit queasy about that assumption step.