Question 950421: In a proof of 1 + 2 +3+ ... + n = n(n+1)/2 by mathematical induction, an appropriate first step is to prove which of these statements?
a. 1=1(1+1)/2
b.1+2=1+n
c. 1=n(n+1)/2
d. 1+n=n(n+1)/2
Found 2 solutions by KMST, josgarithmetic:
Answer by KMST(5328)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! The first step I'd always to prove that the formula/equation is true for n=1, so there should be no n in your first step.
That disqualifies choices b, c, and d, so it must be a.
Also, substituting 1 for n in that formula tells you that the sum of the first 1 natural numbers,
from 1 to n=1, which is just 1,
is equal to 1(1+1)/2.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39620)  (Show Source):
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