[Math] Prove that $2^n +1$ is divisible by $3$ for all positive integers $n$.

elementary-number-theoryinduction

I just want to know if I went on the right direction. With induction

Let $n=1$, then $2^1+1= 3$, which is divisible by $3$. Then show proof for
$n+1.$

$2^n+1=3k$

So we get $2^{n+1}+1, \rightarrow 2^n+2+1, \rightarrow 3k+3= 3(k+1)$. Thus $2^n+1$ is divisible by $3$.

Now if I wanted to show that $2^n+1$ is divisble by $3$, $\forall$ odd integers $n$.
Would it be with induction:

$n=1$, then $2+1=3$, and $3|3$.
Let $n=2k+1$, since n is odd, then we get $2^{2k+1}+1=3m$. Now we need to show for $k+1$.

We get: $2^{2k+2+1}+1=3m \rightarrow 2^{2k+1}*2^2+4-3 \rightarrow 4(2^{2k+1}+1)-3$

$\rightarrow 4(3m)-3 \rightarrow 3(4m-1)$, thus $2^n+1$ is divisible by $3$.

Best Answer

  • $2^1+1=3$;

  • $2^{2n+1}+1=3m\implies4(3m)-3=2^{2(n+1)+1}+1=3m'$.

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