Mathematical induction-flaws and inductive proofs

Reference no: EM13117513

1. Find the flaw with the following "prof" that a^n = 1 for all non negative integers n, whenever a is a nonzero real number.

Basis Step: a^0 = 1 is true by the definition of a^0.

Inductive Step: Assume that a^j = 1 for all non negative integers j with j <= k. Then note that

a^(k+1) = (a^k*a^k)/(a^k-1) = 1*1/1 = 1

2. Find the flaw with the following "proof" that every postage of three cents or more can be formed using just three-cent and four-cent stamps.

Basis Step: We can form postage of three cents with a single three-cent stamp and we can form postage of four cents using a single four-cent stamp.

Inductive Step: Assume that we can form postage of j cents for all non negative integers j with j <= k using just three-cent and four-cent stamps. We can then form postage of k + 1 cents by replacing one three-cent stamp with a four-cent stamp or by replacing two four-cent stamps by three-cent stamps.

Reference no: EM13117513

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