Explain what is wrong with the following proof by induction that all cows are br
ID: 3657388 • Letter: E
Question
Explain what is wrong with the following proof by induction that all cows are brown. Let P(n) be the statement "any group of n cows have the same color." P(1) holds because a single cow has only one color. Now, assume P(n) holds for n greater than or equal to 1. We want to show P(n+1) holds. Let S = {c_1, c_2,...,c_(n+1)} be a group of n+1 cows. Since we are assuming P(n) holds, the group {c_1, c_2,...,c_n} must all be the same color and similarly {c_2,c_3,...,c_(n+1)} must all be the same color. Since the sets overlap, e.g. c_2 is in both sets, all n+1 cows in S must be the same color. So P(n+1) holds. Now, since we know brown cows exist (I've seen one with my own eyes), if we take the group of all cows in the world, they must all be brown.Explanation / Answer
The proof is wrong because the base value of n for this case should be n=2....P(2) and not n=1.......P(1). The first step of proof that proofing that for n=1 ,it is true is a mistake and hence complete proof is wrong....
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