4 Maths -- Sequence and Series

Prove by the method of induction that xn-yn is divisible by x-y

Prove by the method of induction that xn-yn is divisible by x-y

Let P(n) be the statement: 

x n – yn is divisible by x – y. 

 For n = 1, x 1 – y1 = x – y is divisible by (x – y)

 Thus, P(1) is true.

Assume that P(k) is true, i.e., for kN x k – yk is divisible by (x – y)

Now, For P(k + 1)

 Xk+1  – yk+1  = xk . x – yk y = xk.x – xk . y + xk .y – yk . y

(Adding and subtracting xk.y) 

= xk(x – y) + y (xk – yk )

As xk(x – y) is divisible by (x – y) and (xk – yk ) is divisible by 

 (x – y),therefore, xk+1 – yk+1 = xk(x – y) + y(xk – yk) is divisible by (x – y)

 P(k + 1) is true, whenever P(k) is true. By mathematical induction method, the statement P(n) is true for all natural number n.

 

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