An inductive hypothesis is an assumption made during the process of mathematical induction that asserts a property holds true for a particular case, typically denoted as 'n=k'. This assumption serves as a crucial step in proving that if the property is valid for one integer, it must also be valid for the next integer, usually denoted as 'n=k+1'. It connects different steps in the induction process and helps establish the validity of a statement for all integers greater than or equal to a base case.
congrats on reading the definition of inductive hypothesis. now let's actually learn it.