Discrete Mathematics a.y.

2017-18

02. Exercises on the Induction Principle and beyond

1. What is wrong in this “proof”? “Theorem”: for every positive integer n, if x and y are
positive integers with max(x, y) = n, then x = y. Basis Step: Suppose that n = 1. If
max(x, y) = 1 and x and y are positive integers, we have x = 1 and y = 1. Inductive
Step: Let n be a positive integer. Assume that whenever max(x, y) = n and x and y
are positive integers, then x = y. Now let max(x, y) = n + 1, where x and y are positive
integers. Then max(x − 1, y − 1) = n, so by the inductive hypothesis, x − 1 = y − 1. It
follows that x = y, completing the inductive step.

2. Use the Induction Principle (IP) to prove that, for any n ≥ 2, a set with n elements has
n(n−1)
2
subsets containing exactly 2 elements.

3. Let A, B be square matrices with the property that AB = BA. Use the IP to show that
for all n ≥ 1 AB n = B n A.

4. Prove that the simple form and the strong form of the Induction Principle are equivalent.

5. Consider a chocolate rectangular bar made of n squares. The bar, and any smaller
rectangular piece of it, can be broken along a vertical or horizontal line, separating the
squares. If only one break at a time is allowed, how many breaks are needed to separate
all squares? (breaks on separate pieces are counted separately, i.e. to fully break a 2x2 bar
we need 3 breaks). Prove your answer using the Strong Form of the Induction Principle
(SIP).

6. Let P (n) be the statement: “a postage of n cents can be covered using just 3-cents stamps
and 5-cents stamps”. Prove that P (n) is true for all n ≥ 8, using the SIP, as outlined in
the following steps

(a) Show that the statements P (8), P (9), and P (10) are true, completing the basis step
of the proof.
(b) What is the inductive hypothesis of the proof ?
(c) What do you need to prove in the inductive step ?
(d) Complete the inductive step for n ≥ 10.
(e) Explain why these steps show that P (n) is true for all n ≥ 8.

7. Let P (n) be the statement: “a postage of n cents can be covered using just 4-cents stamps
and 7-cents stamps”. Prove that P (n) is true for all n ≥ 18, using the SIP

8. Which amount of money can be formed using just two euros coins and 5 euros bills ?
Prove your statement using SIP.

9. (a) Determine which amount of postage can be formed using just 4-cents and 11-cents
stamps.
(b) Prove that your answer is true using the IP.
(c) Prove that your answer is true using the SIP.