Prove  the statements by the Principle of Mathematical Induction :

23n – 1 is divisible by 7, for all natural numbers n.

8 views

1 Answers

Let P(n): 23n – 1 is divisible by 7

Now, P( 1): 23 — 1 = 7, which is divisible by 7.

Hence, P(1) is true.

Let us assume that P(n) is true for some natural number n = k.

P(k): 23k – 1 is divisible by 7.

or, 23k -1 = 7m, m∈ N .......(i)

Now, we have to prove that P(k + 1) is true

P(k+ 1): 23(k+1) – 1

= 23k .23 – 1

= 8(7 m + 1) – 1  [from (i)]

= 56 m + 7

= 7(8m + 1), which is divisible by 7.

Thus, P(k + 1) is true whenever P(k) is true.

8 views