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Mathematical Induction: A Recurring Theme

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 September 2016

Paul Ernest
Paul Ernest*
Affiliation:
Bedford College of Higher Education, Bedford
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Extract

The great mathematician Henri Poincare [1] described the method of proof by mathematical induction as mathematical reasoning par excellence. Induction is, undoubtedly, a method of great significance for mathematics. Unfortunately, induction is also a rather complicated form of proof. Furthermore, it is taught in schools at sixth form level. In fact, it is probably the only method of proof explicitly taught in British schools. Perhaps it is not surprising that some students find the method difficult to apply. In view of the importance and difficulty of the method, mathematical induction is worthy of further attention. In this article, the history and equivalents of mathematical induction are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Mathematical Gazette , Volume 66 , Issue 436 , June 1982 , pp. 120 - 125
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 1982

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References

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