235Ch5-1Induction离散数学英文版PPT.ppt

Non-Rational Number Example Prove that ?2 is not rational Assume it is rational. ?2 = m/n (i), where m, n are integers and n is the smallest possible denominator (Well-Ordering). From (i), m2 = 2n2. We now prove that m/n = (2n – m)/(m – n) and m – n n, so contradiction! m/n = m(m – n)/n(m – n) = (m2 – mn)/n(m – n) = (2n2 – mn)/n(m – n) = (2n – m)n/n(m – n) = (2n – m)/(m – n) Since ?2 = m/n 2, or m 2n. We then have m – n n. Contradiction! Mathematical Induction is Valid Prove that Mathematical Induction is Valid We prove by contradiction: If P(1) is true and P(k) ? P(k+1) is true (for