Analyzing the Setup
The expression provided is P(n)=pn+1+(p+1)2n−1. We aim to prove that this expression is always divisible by p2+p+1 for all positive integers n.
In the world of competitive mathematics, chaos is often just order waiting to be discovered. Let us embark on this journey of proof using the Principle of Mathematical Induction.
The Foundation
Every great structure needs a solid foundation. In induction, that is our base case. We test the smallest possible value, n=1.
When we substitute
n=1 into our expression, we get:
P(1)=p1+1+(p+1)2(1)−1
Simplifying this, we find:
P(1)=p2+(p+1)1=p2+p+1
Since P(1) is exactly p2+p+1, it is clearly divisible by p2+p+1. The foundation is set, and the dominoes are ready to fall.
The Inductive Hypothesis
Now, we step into the heart of the proof. We assume the statement is true for some arbitrary integer k.
This means we assume
P(k)=pk+1+(p+1)2k−1 is a multiple of
p2+p+1. Mathematically, we write:
pk+1+(p+1)2k−1=(p2+p+1)m
where
m is some integer.
This is our 'master key.' We isolate
pk+1 to obtain:
pk+1=(p2+p+1)m−(p+1)2k−1
Keep this equation close; it is the secret weapon we will use to conquer the next step.
The Algebraic Dance
Now, we look at the case for n=k+1. We want to show that P(k+1) is also a multiple of our divisor.
Writing it out, we get:
P(k+1)=pk+2+(p+1)2k+1
We decompose this expression as follows:
P(k+1)=p⋅pk+1+(p+1)2⋅(p+1)2k−1
Now, we substitute our master key into this expression:
P(k+1)=p[(p2+p+1)m−(p+1)2k−1]+(p+1)2(p+1)2k−1
The Grand Finale
We distribute the
p and expand the
(p+1)2 term:
P(k+1)=p(p2+p+1)m−p(p+1)2k−1+(p2+2p+1)(p+1)2k−1
Next, we group the terms containing
(p+1)2k−1:
P(k+1)=p(p2+p+1)m+(p2+2p+1−p)(p+1)2k−1
Simplifying the bracket,
2p−p gives us
p, leaving us with:
P(k+1)=p(p2+p+1)m+(p2+p+1)(p+1)2k−1
We can now factor out the
(p2+p+1) term completely:
P(k+1)=(p2+p+1)[pm+(p+1)2k−1]
Since P(k+1) is a multiple of p2+p+1, the proof is complete by the Principle of Mathematical Induction. The expression is divisible by p2+p+1 for all n∈Z+.