In mathematical proof by induction, what are the two required procedural steps?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Proving the base case for n = 1, then proving that if true for n = k, it must be true for n = k + 1
- Step 1: Step 1 (Base Case): Verify the statement holds for the initial integer (usually n = 1). Step 2. Step 2 (Inductive Step): Assume statement holds for n = k, then prove deductively that it necessarily holds for n = k + 1. Answer: Proving the base case for n = 1, then proving that if true for n = k, it must be true for n = k + 1. Why not the others: Testing isolated numbers is empirical observation, not formal mathematical proof.
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