Exercise · ZW-STRONG-INDUCTION-001 · ★☆☆ Basic

In the step of a strong induction proving \(P(k+1)\), the hypothesis is:

Choose one option.

Show answer
  • B. \(P(j)\) for all \(j\) with \(n_0\le j\le k\)

Explanation

Strong induction allows using all earlier cases, not just the immediate one.

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Review the concept: Strong induction

Strong induction proves \(P(n)\) for every \(n\ge n_0\): after checking the base case \(P(n_0)\), one proves \(P(k+1)\) assuming \(P(j)\) for all \(j\) with \(n_0\le j\le k\).

\[\big[P(n_0)\wedge\forall k\ge n_0\,(P(n_0)\wedge\cdots\wedge P(k)\Rightarrow P(k+1))\big]\Rightarrow\forall n\ge n_0\,P(n)\]

More practice problems: strong induction

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