Step 1: n = 1, 2^3 - 1
= 8 - 1
= 7
True for n = 1
Step 2: Assume for n = k, 2^(3k) - 1 = 7m is true where m is a positive integer.
RTP for n = k + 1, 2^(3(k + 1)) - 1 = 7n where n is a positive integer
Proof: LHS: 2^(3(k+1)) - 1
= 2^(3k + 3) - 1
= 8 x 2^(3k) - 1
= 8(2^(3k) - 1) + 7
= 8(7m) + 7
= 7(8m + 1)
= 7n
True for n = k + 1 if true for n = k.
Step 3: Since it is true for n = 1 (step 1), it must also be true for n = 1 + 1 (step 2) and so on. Hence the result is generally true.
Edit: beaten by a minute..