# Math Help - Mathematical Induction

1. ## Mathematical Induction

Suppose that x1, x2, x3, ... ,xn are real numbers. Prove (using mathematical induction) that
l x1 + x2 + ... + xn l < lx1l + lx2l + ... + lxnl

2. Originally Posted by bearej50
Suppose that x1, x2, x3, ... ,xn are real numbers. Prove (using mathematical induction) that
l x1 + x2 + ... + xn l < lx1l + lx2l + ... + lxnl
You first need to show $|x+y|\leq |x|+|y|$

3. I know this to be true. I can use this theorem in my proof. I just dont know how to write a proof for this using mathematical induction.

4. Originally Posted by bearej50

I know this to be true. I can use this theorem in my proof. I just dont know how to write a proof for this using mathematical induction.
You will prove this for $n\geq 2$. If this statement is true for $k$ variables i.e. $|x_1+...+x_k| \leq |x_1| + ... + |x_k|$ we shall prove it is true for $k+1$ variables. In the expression $|x_1+...+x_k+x_{k+1}|$ think of it as $|(x_1+...+x_k)+x_{k+1}|$ but this is less than or equal to $|x_1+...+x_k| + |x_{k+1}|$ but this is less than or equal to $|x_1|+...+|x_k|+|x_{k+1}|$.

5. thank you again