Chapter 3: Problem 10
Beweisen Sie die allgemeine binomische Formel $$ (a+b)^{n}=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\left(\begin{array}{l} n \\ k \end{array}\right) a^{k} b^{n-k} $$ für \(n \in \mathbb{N}_{0}\) mittels vollständiger Induktion.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Question: Prove the general binomial formula using the principle of mathematical induction.
Answer: By using mathematical induction, we have shown that the general binomial formula holds for all \(n \in \mathbb{N}_0\):
$$(a+b)^{n}=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\left(\begin{array}{l}n\\k\end{array}\right) a^{k} b^{n-k}$$
Step by step solution
01
Induction Base: Prove the formula for n=0
When \(n=0\), the general binomial formula becomes:
$$(a+b)^0 = \sum_{k=0}^{0}\left(\begin{array}{l}0\\k\end{array}\right) a^k b^{0-k}$$
Since \(0^0\) and \((a+b)^0\) are both equal to 1 and the sum only has one term (k = 0) with binomial coefficient \(\binom{0}{0} = 1\), we have:
$$(a+b)^0 = 1 = \left(\begin{array}{l}0\\0\end{array}\right) a^0 b^{0} = 1$$
So, the formula has been proven for the base case \(n=0\).
02
Induction Assumption: Formula holds for arbitrary n=k
Let's assume the general binomial formula works for an arbitrary \(n=k \in \mathbb{N}_0\), that is:
$$(a+b)^k = \sum_{m=0}^{k}\left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m\end{array}\right) a^m b^{k-m}$$
03
Induction Step: Prove the formula for n=k+1
We now want to show that the general binomial formula also works for \(n=k+1\). Let's begin by expanding \((a+b)^{k+1}\) using the binomial theorem:
$$(a+b)^{k+1} = (a+b) \cdot (a+b)^k = (a+b) \cdot \sum_{m=0}^{k}\left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m\end{array}\right) a^m b^{k-m}$$
Now distribute the \((a+b)\) term through the sum:
$$(a+b)^{k+1} = \sum_{m=0}^{k}\left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m\end{array}\right) a^m b^{k-m} (a+b)$$
$$ = \sum_{m=0}^{k}\left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m\end{array}\right) a^{m+1} b^{k-m} + \sum_{m=0}^{k}\left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m\end{array}\right) a^m b^{k+1-m}$$
Now we can rewrite the sums by shifting the indices:
$$ = \sum_{m=1}^{k+1}\left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m-1\end{array}\right) a^m b^{k+1-m} + \sum_{m=0}^{k}\left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m\end{array}\right) a^m b^{k+1-m}$$
Combine the two sums:
$$(a+b)^{k+1} = \sum_{m=0}^{k+1}\left[\left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m-1\end{array}\right) + \left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m\end{array}\right)\right] a^m b^{k+1-m}$$
Now, from the property of binomial coefficients, we know:
$$\left(\begin{array}{l}k+1\\m\end{array}\right) = \left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m-1\end{array}\right) + \left(\begin{array}{l}k\\m\end{array}\right)$$
Substitute this into the previous equation:
$$(a+b)^{k+1} = \sum_{m=0}^{k+1}\left(\begin{array}{l}k+1\\m\end{array}\right) a^m b^{k+1-m}$$
04
Conclusion
Since we have proven the general binomial formula for the base case \(n=0\) and have shown that if the formula holds for \(n=k\), it also holds for \(n=k+1\), we can conclude by mathematical induction that the general binomial formula holds for all \(n \in \mathbb{N}_0\):
$$(a+b)^{n}=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\left(\begin{array}{l}n\\k\end{array}\right) a^{k} b^{n-k}$$
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Mathematical Induction
Mathematical induction is a powerful proof technique used in mathematics to establish the truth of an infinite series of statements. It's akin to a row of dominoes, where knocking down the first one causes all the rest to fall. The process of induction involves two crucial steps:
- Base Case: This first step involves proving that the statement holds when the variable (often denoted as \(n\)) is at its smallest value, typically 0 or 1.
- Inductive Step: In this step, you assume the statement is true for some arbitrary case \(n = k\), called the "inductive hypothesis," and then use this assumption to prove that the statement is also true for \(n = k+1\).
Binomial Coefficients
Binomial coefficients are the centerpiece of the Binomial Theorem. These coefficients are represented as \(\binom{n}{k}\), read as "n choose k", which solve the number of ways to choose \(k\) elements from a set of \(n\) elements.
- The binomial coefficient \(\binom{n}{k}\) is calculated using the factorial formula: \(\binom{n}{k} = \frac{n!}{k!(n-k)!}\), where \(!\) denotes a factorial, the product of all positive integers up to that number.
- These coefficients appear in the expansion of \((a+b)^n\), reflecting how different terms based on combinations of terms \(a^k\) and \(b^{n-k}\) come together.
- An important property used in proofs like mathematical induction is known as Pascal’s identity: \(\binom{n}{k} = \binom{n-1}{k-1} + \binom{n-1}{k}\), which aids in manipulating and simplifying expressions during algebraic transformations.
Proof Techniques
When approaching mathematical proofs, a variety of techniques are employed to validate theorems. With the Binomial Theorem, mathematical induction serves as the chosen method. Here are some insights into executing proofs effectively:
- Comprehend the Statement: Fully understanding what needs to be proven is key. Break down the components and theorems involved in the problem.
- Choose the Right Tool: Identify which proof technique best fits. For recursive or progressive proofs, induction is effective as seen with the Binomial Theorem.
- Follow Logical Steps: Establish a clear sequence of logical steps. Begin with the base case, set the inductive step, and conclude the inductive hypothesis successfully leads to the next case.
- Verify Each Step: Each step in a proof must be closely scrutinized to ensure no logical errors occur. This validates the whole induction process.
- Communicate Clearly: Writing out the proof with clarity helps ensure both the prover and the audience can follow the argument from start to finish without ambiguity.