Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Let us assume that we have n different dots on a paper. We are to connect pairwise by a line. We have to find out how many lines can be formed.
Let us prove by induction.
If there is one dot then we have no line = 1(1-1) =0
Thus n(n-1) is true for 1 dot
Let us assume that for n dots we have n(n-1) lines
Add one more point now total points are n+1.
Already the existing n points are connected by a line.
So the extra point has to be connected to each of n point
i.e. n lines should be added from the new point to the n points and again n lines from the points to the new point(Assuming lines are different if initial and final point are different)
So 2n lines would be added
So total number of lines for n+1 points
[tex]= n(n-1) +n+n= n^2-n+2n \\= n^2+n\\=n(n+1)[/tex]
Thus true for n+1 if true for n. Already true for n =1
So proved by induction for all natural numbers n.