CBSE Class 11 Mathematics Chapter 4: Principle of Mathematical Induction NCERT Solutions
CBSE Class 11 Mathematics Chapter 4, Principle of Mathematical Induction, introduces a robust technique for proving statements concerning natural numbers. This chapter's solutions offer a detailed approach to mastering this principle. You'll learn to establish a base case, typically verifying the statement for n=1, and then proceed to the inductive step. This involves assuming the statement holds true for an arbitrary positive integer k and subsequently proving its validity for k+1. The solutions guide you through applying this logical framework to diverse problems, such as proving series sums and inequalities. Developing a strong understanding of mathematical induction is crucial for tackling more advanced mathematical concepts and is invaluable for exam success, providing clear and accurate problem-solving strategies.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 4: Principle of Mathematical Induction |
Chapter summary
Chapter 4 of the NCERT Class 11 Mathematics textbook focuses on the Principle of Mathematical Induction. The provided solutions guide students through proving mathematical statements for all natural numbers. They cover the two crucial steps of induction: verifying the base case (usually n=1) and proving the inductive step (if P(k) is true, then P(k+1) is also true). The exercises include proving formulas for sums of series and other properties, ensuring students can apply the principle effectively.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the Principle of Mathematical Induction.
- Verify the base case for a given statement.
- Prove the inductive step for a given statement.
- Apply mathematical induction to prove statements involving natural numbers.
- Solve problems related to sums of series using mathematical induction.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Principle of Mathematical Induction
- Base Case
- Inductive Step
- Inductive Hypothesis
- Proof of Summation Formulas
- Mathematical Statements
- Natural Numbers
- Series Summation
Important topics
- Understanding the Principle of Mathematical Induction
- Proving the Base Case
- Proving the Inductive Step
- Applying Induction to Series
- Algebraic Manipulation in Induction Proofs
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
Let the given statement be denoted by P(n). So, P(n) is:
1+3+3^2+...+3^{n-1}=\frac{\left(3^n-1\right)}{2}
Step 1: Verify the base case.
For n = 1, the left-hand side (LHS) is the first term, which is 1.
The right-hand side (RHS) is \frac{\left(3^1-1\right)}{2} = \frac{3-1}{2} = \frac{2}{2} = 1.
Since LHS = RHS, P(1) is true.
Step 2: Assume the inductive hypothesis.
Assume that P(k) is true for some positive integer k. That is,
1+3+3^2+...+3^{k-1} = \frac{\left(3^k-1\right)}{2} ... (i)
Step 3: Prove the inductive step.
We need to prove that P(k+1) is true. P(k+1) is the statement:
1+3+3^2+...+3^{(k+1)-1} = \frac{\left(3^{k+1}-1\right)}{2}
Consider the LHS of P(k+1):
1+3+3^2+...+3^{k-1}+3^{(k+1)-1}
This can be written as:
(1+3+3^2+...+3^{k-1}) + 3^k
Using the inductive hypothesis (i), we can substitute the sum up to 3^{k-1}:
\frac{\left(3^k-1\right)}{2} + 3^k
Now, let's simplify this expression:
= \frac{\left(3^k-1\right) + 2 \cdot 3^k}{2}
= \frac{3^k - 1 + 2 \cdot 3^k}{2}
= \frac{(1+2) \cdot 3^k - 1}{2}
= \frac{3 \cdot 3^k - 1}{2}
= \frac{3^{k+1}-1}{2}
This is the RHS of P(k+1). Thus, P(k+1) is true whenever P(k) is true.
Conclusion:
By the Principle of Mathematical Induction, the statement P(n) is true for all natural numbers n \in \mathbb{N}.
Question 2
Let the given statement be denoted by P(n). So, P(n) is:
1^3 + 2^3 + 3^3 + ... + n^3 = \left(\frac{n(n+1)}{2}\right)^2
Step 1: Verify the base case.
For n = 1, the LHS is 1^3 = 1.
The RHS is \left(\frac{1(1+1)}{2}\right)^2 = \left(\frac{1 \cdot 2}{2}\right)^2 = \left(\frac{2}{2}\right)^2 = 1^2 = 1.
Since LHS = RHS, P(1) is true.
Step 2: Assume the inductive hypothesis.
Assume that P(k) is true for some positive integer k. That is,
1^3 + 2^3 + 3^3 + ... + k^3 = \left(\frac{k(k+1)}{2}\right)^2 ... (i)
Step 3: Prove the inductive step.
We need to prove that P(k+1) is true. P(k+1) is the statement:
1^3 + 2^3 + 3^3 + ... + k^3 + (k+1)^3 = \left(\frac{(k+1)((k+1)+1)}{2}\right)^2 = \left(\frac{(k+1)(k+2)}{2}\right)^2
Consider the LHS of P(k+1):
(1^3 + 2^3 + 3^3 + ... + k^3) + (k+1)^3
Using the inductive hypothesis (i), we can substitute the sum of the first k cubes:
\left(\frac{k(k+1)}{2}\right)^2 + (k+1)^3
Now, let's simplify this expression:
= \frac{k^2(k+1)^2}{4} + (k+1)^3
Factor out the common term (k+1)^2:
= (k+1)^2 \left[ \frac{k^2}{4} + (k+1) \right]
Find a common denominator inside the bracket:
= (k+1)^2 \left[ \frac{k^2 + 4(k+1)}{4} \right]
= (k+1)^2 \left[ \frac{k^2 + 4k + 4}{4} \right]
Recognize the perfect square in the numerator:
= (k+1)^2 \left[ \frac{(k+2)^2}{4} \right]
Combine the terms:
= \frac{(k+1)^2 (k+2)^2}{4}
= \left(\frac{(k+1)(k+2)}{2}\right)^2
This is the RHS of P(k+1). Thus, P(k+1) is true whenever P(k) is true.
Conclusion:
By the Principle of Mathematical Induction, the statement P(n) is true for all natural numbers n \in \mathbb{N}.
Common mistakes
- Errors in verifying the base case (n=1).
- Incorrectly formulating or proving the inductive step.
- Algebraic mistakes when manipulating expressions for P(k+1).
- Confusing the assumption P(k) with the conclusion P(k+1).
Revision tips
- Always clearly state the base case and the inductive hypothesis.
- Pay close attention to algebraic manipulations in the inductive step.
- Practice a variety of problems to build confidence with different types of statements.
- Review the two fundamental steps of induction before attempting problems.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the first step in proving a statement using the Principle of Mathematical Induction?
Explanation: The first step is to establish the truth of the statement for the smallest natural number, typically n=1.
Q2. If P(k) is assumed to be true, what needs to be proven in the inductive step?
Explanation: The inductive step involves showing that if the statement holds for an arbitrary positive integer k, it must also hold for the next integer, k+1.
Q3. The formula for the sum of the first n cubes is given by:
Explanation: The sum of the first n cubes, 1^3 + 2^3 +... + , is equal to the square of the sum of the first n natural numbers, (n(n+1)/2)^2.
Q4. Which mathematical principle is used to prove statements for all natural numbers?
Explanation: The Principle of Mathematical Induction is specifically designed to prove statements that are claimed to be true for all natural numbers (or a subset starting from a specific integer).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Principle of Mathematical Induction?
It is a method used to prove mathematical statements for all natural numbers. It involves proving a base case (like n=1) and then showing that if the statement holds for any natural number k, it also holds for the next number, k+1.
What are the two main steps in a proof by mathematical induction?
The two main steps are: 1. Base Case: Proving the statement is true for the initial value (usually n=1). 2. Inductive Step: Assuming the statement is true for an arbitrary positive integer k (inductive hypothesis) and then proving it is also true for k+1.
How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 11 students?
These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for proving statements using mathematical induction, helping students understand the concept and solve problems accurately for their exams.
Are the questions in these solutions the same as in the NCERT textbook?
Yes, the questions are kept exactly the same as in the NCERT textbook, ensuring students can follow along with their studies. The solutions, however, are rewritten for better clarity.
What kind of problems are covered in Chapter 4?
Chapter 4 primarily covers proving various mathematical statements, such as formulas for the sum of series (like sums of integers, squares, cubes, or geometric progressions) and inequalities, using the Principle of Mathematical Induction.
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