Call the statement
and the general term 
Step 1: Show that the statement holds for the basis case 


Since
, the basis case is true.
Step 2: Assume that
holds.

Step 3: Show that on the assumption that the summation is true for k, it follows that it is true for k + 1.

It's easier to factor than expand. Notice the common factor of (k + 1)(k + 2)(k + 3).

This should be equal to the formula
when k = k + 1:

Since both the basis and the inductive step have been proved, it has now been proved by mathematical induction that S_n holds for all natural n.
Back to Chapter 1.