If and for any non-negative integer ,
- (i)
write down the values of , , and in the form , where is expressed in terms of . Hence formulate a conjecture for in terms of .
- (ii)
Prove your conjecture by the method of mathematical induction for any non-negative integer .
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Worked solution
6(i)
1. Evaluate the first four terms using the given recurrence relation.
Given and :
2. Express the evaluated terms in the form $\frac{f(n)}{1+f(n)}$ where $f(n)$ is explicitly in terms of $n$.
3. Formulate a general conjecture for $u_n$.
Observing that , we can generalise the pattern for the th term:
Conjecture:
6(ii)
1. State the conjecture derived from part (i) and verify the base case for $n=0$.
From (i), the conjecture is .
Let be the statement that .
For :
Since , is true.
2. State the inductive hypothesis.
Assume that is true for some non-negative integer , i.e.,
3. Express $u_{k+1}$ using the given recurrence relation and substitute the inductive hypothesis.
We want to show that is true. Using the given recurrence relation:
Substituting our assumption for :
4. Simplify the expression to establish $P_{k+1}$.
Multiply the numerator and the denominator by :
This matches the formula for . Hence, .
5. Provide the final concluding statement for mathematical induction.
Since is true, and is true implies is true, by the principle of mathematical induction, is true for all non-negative integers .
The conjecture is proven to be true for all non-negative integers by the principle of mathematical induction.
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