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Homework Statement
Prove that 7^n - 1 is divisible by 6
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I managed a solution were i use only the addition of 6^x were x is any postive integer. The solution i have workes until n = 3 but not after that.
7^n - 1 = 6^n + n*6^(n-1) + n*6^(n-2)...
7^1 - 1 = 6 = 6^1
7^2 - 1 = 48 = 6^2 + 2*6^1
7^3 - 1 = 342 = 6^3 + 3*6^2 + 3*6^1
I tried different other possibilities on this. I also thought about rewriting 7^n - 1 such that division by six is obvious but i couldn't think of a possibility. I'm guessing i need a totally different approach bu i don't know what approach.
Anyone got a clue on were to look? Proving has to go by mathematical induction but that for later.