The following "Theorem" is obviously not true. Explain what's wrong with the proof. Theorem: 1 is the largest natural number. Proof: The proof is by contradiction. Let n be the largest natural number, and suppose that n > 1. Multiplying both sides of this inequality by n we see that n² > n. Thus n² is a natural number greater than n, contradicting the fact that n is the largest natural number. So the assumption n > 1 is wrong, and therefore n = 1. So 1 is the largest natural number.

Elements Of Modern Algebra
8th Edition
ISBN:9781285463230
Author:Gilbert, Linda, Jimmie
Publisher:Gilbert, Linda, Jimmie
Chapter2: The Integers
Section2.2: Mathematical Induction
Problem 50E: Show that if the statement 1+2+3+...+n=n(n+1)2+2 is assumed to be true for n=k, the same equation...
icon
Related questions
Question
Help w this please
The following "Theorem" is obviously not true. Explain what's wrong with the proof.
Theorem: 1 is the largest natural number.
Proof: The proof is by contradiction. Let n be the largest natural number, and suppose that n > 1.
Multiplying both sides of this inequality by n we see that n² > n. Thus n² is a natural number greater
than n, contradicting the fact that n is the largest natural number. So the assumption n > 1 is wrong,
and therefore n = 1. So 1 is the largest natural number.
Transcribed Image Text:The following "Theorem" is obviously not true. Explain what's wrong with the proof. Theorem: 1 is the largest natural number. Proof: The proof is by contradiction. Let n be the largest natural number, and suppose that n > 1. Multiplying both sides of this inequality by n we see that n² > n. Thus n² is a natural number greater than n, contradicting the fact that n is the largest natural number. So the assumption n > 1 is wrong, and therefore n = 1. So 1 is the largest natural number.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
Elements Of Modern Algebra
Elements Of Modern Algebra
Algebra
ISBN:
9781285463230
Author:
Gilbert, Linda, Jimmie
Publisher:
Cengage Learning,
Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
Algebra
ISBN:
9781133382119
Author:
Swokowski
Publisher:
Cengage
Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
Geometry
ISBN:
9781337614085
Author:
Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Publisher:
Cengage,
Algebra: Structure And Method, Book 1
Algebra: Structure And Method, Book 1
Algebra
ISBN:
9780395977224
Author:
Richard G. Brown, Mary P. Dolciani, Robert H. Sorgenfrey, William L. Cole
Publisher:
McDougal Littell
Elementary Geometry for College Students
Elementary Geometry for College Students
Geometry
ISBN:
9781285195698
Author:
Daniel C. Alexander, Geralyn M. Koeberlein
Publisher:
Cengage Learning