Let P (n) be the statement that a postage of n cents can be formed using just 3-cent stamps and 5-cent stamps. The parts of this exercise outline a strong induction proof that P (n) is true for n ≥ 8.
a) Show that the statements P (8), P (9), and P (10) are true, completing the basis step of the proof.
b) What is the inductive hypothesis of the proof?
c) What do you need to prove in the inductive step?
d) Complete the inductive step for k ≥ 10.
e) Explain why these steps show that this statement is true whenever n ≥ 8.