Prove Induction: (1+2+4+...+2^n)+1=2^(n+1)

In summary, the proof given in the book for the equation (1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + 2^{n}) + 1 = 2^{n+1} for any n greater than or equal to 0 is incorrect. The correct proof should be (1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + 2^{k} + 2^{k+1}) + 1 = 2^{k+1} + 2^{k+1} = 2^{k+2} by using the commutative property of addition and the assumption from the inductive step that (1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + 2^{k}) +
  • #1
John112
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To prove: (1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + [itex]2^{n}[/itex]) + 1 = [itex]2^{n+1}[/itex] , ∀n ≥ 0 .
Basis Step n = 0: LEFT HAND SIDE: ([itex]2^{0}[/itex])+ 1 = 1 + 1 = 2 RIGHT HAND SIDE [itex]2^{0}[/itex] + 1 = 2
Inductive Step: Assume (1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + [itex]2^{k}[/itex]) + 1 = [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex]
Then (1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + [itex]2^{k}[/itex] + [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex]) + 1 = [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex] + [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex] + 1 = [itex]2^{k+2}[/itex] + 1.

Is this proof right? This is a proof given to one of the example problems in the book. To me it seems wrong. If it is right then can someone explain how the +1 came to be at the end ( [itex]2^{k+2}[/itex] + 1).

Isn't the above proof should be like this?

so (1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + [itex]2^{k}[/itex] + [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex]) + 1 = [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex] + [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex] = [itex]2^{k+2}[/itex]

Because (1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + [itex]2^{k}[/itex] + [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex]) + 1 can be rewritten as

[(1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + [itex]2^{k}[/itex]) + 1] + [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex] by commutative property of addition. From the inductive step we assumed that (1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + [itex]2^{k}[/itex]) + 1 = [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex]

[(1 + 2 + 4 + . . . + [itex]2^{k}[/itex]) + 1] + [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex] = [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex] + [itex]2^{k+1}[/itex] = [itex]2^{k+2}[/itex]
 
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  • #2
John112 said:
Isn't the above proof should be like this?
Indeed. The second version is good, the first has some wrong "+1".
 

FAQ: Prove Induction: (1+2+4+...+2^n)+1=2^(n+1)

What is the statement being proved by induction?

The statement being proved by induction is (1+2+4+...+2^n)+1=2^(n+1).

What is the base case for this proof?

The base case for this proof is n=0, where (1+2+4+...+2^0)+1=2^(0+1) simplifies to 1+1=2, which is true.

What is the inductive hypothesis for this proof?

The inductive hypothesis for this proof is assuming that (1+2+4+...+2^k)+1=2^(k+1) is true for some arbitrary integer k.

What is the inductive step for this proof?

The inductive step for this proof involves proving that if the statement is true for k, then it is also true for k+1. This can be done by substituting k+1 into the statement and simplifying until it matches the right side of the equation.

What is the conclusion of this proof?

The conclusion of this proof is that the statement (1+2+4+...+2^n)+1=2^(n+1) is true for all positive integers n, as it has been proven true for the base case (n=0) and shown to follow through for all succeeding integers (inductive step).

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