Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
9. Sequences, Series, & Induction
Sequences
Problem 15b
Textbook Question
In Exercises 11–24, use mathematical induction to prove that each statement is true for every positive integer n. 3 + 7 + 11 + ... + (4n - 1) = n(2n + 1)

1
Step 1: **Base Case** - Verify the statement for the initial value, n = 1. Substitute n = 1 into both sides of the equation: Left side: 3 = 4(1) - 1, Right side: 1(2(1) + 1). Check if both sides are equal.
Step 2: **Inductive Hypothesis** - Assume the statement is true for some positive integer k, i.e., 3 + 7 + 11 + ... + (4k - 1) = k(2k + 1).
Step 3: **Inductive Step** - Prove the statement is true for n = k + 1. Consider the sum 3 + 7 + 11 + ... + (4k - 1) + (4(k + 1) - 1).
Step 4: Substitute the inductive hypothesis into the sum: k(2k + 1) + (4(k + 1) - 1). Simplify the expression to show it equals (k + 1)(2(k + 1) + 1).
Step 5: **Conclusion** - If the base case holds and the inductive step is proven, by mathematical induction, the statement is true for every positive integer n.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Mathematical Induction
Mathematical induction is a proof technique used to establish the truth of an infinite sequence of statements. It involves two main steps: the base case, where the statement is verified for the initial value (usually n=1), and the inductive step, where one assumes the statement holds for n=k and then proves it for n=k+1. This method is particularly useful for proving formulas involving integers.
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Arithmetic Series
An arithmetic series is the sum of the terms of an arithmetic sequence, where each term after the first is obtained by adding a constant difference. In this case, the series 3 + 7 + 11 + ... + (4n - 1) represents an arithmetic series with a first term of 3 and a common difference of 4. Understanding the properties of arithmetic series is essential for deriving the formula being proved.
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Algebraic Manipulation
Algebraic manipulation involves rearranging and simplifying expressions using algebraic rules. In the context of this problem, it is necessary to manipulate the right-hand side of the equation, n(2n + 1), to show that it equals the sum of the series on the left-hand side. Mastery of algebraic techniques is crucial for successfully completing the proof by induction.
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