mathematical induction

American  

noun

1. induction.

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mathematical induction Cultural  

1. A method of proof in which a statement is proved for one step in a process, and it is shown that if the statement holds for that step, it holds for the next.

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Etymology

Origin of mathematical induction

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

I find this picture proof just as persuasive as a proof by mathematical induction.

From Scientific American

As far as investigating AA/NA, I know by the the principle of mathematical induction that if you can show you can get to the first step and for all arbitrary values, k, by the rule of implication if you can get to step k and you prove you can get to step k+1 with the inductive hypothesis, then you can reach all the steps in the program.

From New York Times

Therefore, the program is sound by the principle of mathematical induction.

From New York Times

If loop invariants remind you of mathematical induction, they should. 

From Forbes

This is the principle of what is called “mathematical induction.”

From Project Gutenberg