NCERT Solutions
Class 11 Maths
Principle of Mathematical Induction

Ex.4.1 Q.6
Prove the following by using the principle of mathematical induction for all n є N:
1.2 + 2.3 + 3.4 + …………n. (n + 1) = {n (n + 1) (n + 2)} ÷ 3
Let the given statement be P(n), i.e.,
P(n): 1.2 + 2.3 + 3.4 + …………n. (n + 1) = {n (n + 1) (n + 2)} ÷ 3
For n = 1, we have
P (1): 1.2 = 2 = {1(1 + 1) (1 + 2)} ÷ 3 = (1.2.3) ÷ 3 = 1.2 = 2, which is true.
Let P(k) be true for some positive integer k, i.e.,
1.2 + 2.3 + 3.4 + …………k. (k + 1) = {k (k + 1) (k + 2)} ÷ 3 …………… (1)
We shall now prove that P (k + 1) is true.
Consider
1.2 + 2.3 + 3.4 + ... + k. (k + 1) + (k + 1). (k + 2)
= [1.2 + 2.3 + 3.4 + ... + k. (k + 1)] + (k + 1). (k + 2)
= {k (k + 1) (k + 2)} ÷ 3 + (k + 1). (k + 2)
[From equation 1]
= (k + 1) (k + 2) ( + 1)
= {(k + 1) (k + 2) (k + 3)} ÷ 3
= {(k + 1) (k + 1 + 1) (k + 1 + 2)} ÷ 3
Thus, P (k + 1) is true whenever P(k) is true.
Hence, by the principle of mathematical induction, statement P(n) is true for all natural numbers i.e., N.