Final answer:
Using mathematical induction with quadratic functions involves proving a statement is true for a base case and general case, then using it to prove subsequent cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Quadratic functions are second-order polynomials. To use mathematical induction with quadratic functions, we can prove that a statement is true for the base case (usually n=0 or n=1), and then assume it is true for a general case (n=k). We then use this assumption to prove that it is also true for the next case (n=k+1). This allows us to establish that the statement holds true for all natural numbers.
For example, we can use mathematical induction to prove that the sum of the first n natural numbers is given by the formula n(n+1)/2. We would show that it holds true for n=1, and assume it is true for n=k. Then we use this assumption to prove that it is also true for n=k+1. Finally, we can conclude that the formula holds true for all natural numbers.