Scribd
Upload
476 views18 pages

Writing Direct Proof and Indirect Proof

This document discusses direct and indirect proofs in mathematics. It defines key terms like axiom, postulate, and theorem. It explains the steps for writing a direct proof, which assumes a statement is true and uses logic to show another statement is true. It also explains the steps for an indirect proof, which assumes a statement is false, reasons until a contradiction is reached, proving the original statement must be true. The document provides examples of direct and indirect proofs and prompts the reader to prove a given statement using one of the two methods.

Uploaded by

Norman A Reyes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
476 views18 pages

Writing Direct Proof and Indirect Proof

This document discusses direct and indirect proofs in mathematics. It defines key terms like axiom, postulate, and theorem. It explains the steps for writing a direct proof, which assumes a statement is true and uses logic to show another statement is true. It also explains the steps for an indirect proof, which assumes a statement is false, reasons until a contradiction is reached, proving the original statement must be true. The document provides examples of direct and indirect proofs and prompts the reader to prove a given statement using one of the two methods.

Uploaded by

Norman A Reyes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 18

Writing Direct

Proof and Indirect


Proof
To illustrate each of the given property, fill in the blanks with the
correct number to complete the following mathematical
statements.
A proof is a logical argument in which
each statement you make is
supported/justified by given
information, definitions, axioms,
postulates, theorems, and previously
proven statements.
• An axiom is any mathematical statement that
serves as a starting point from which other
points are logically derived.
• A postulate is a statement that is accepted
without proof.
• A theorem is a statement accepted after it is
proved deductively
There are two methods in
writing proof. These include:
1. Direct Proof
2. Indirect Proof
Direct proof is a type of logical
reasoning that uses accepted facts
to reason in a step-by-step manner
until the desired statement is
obtained.
Steps in writing a direct proof:
1. Assume the statement 𝑝 is true.
2. Use what you know about 𝑝 and other
facts as necessary to deduce that
another statement 𝑞 is true, that is to
show 𝑝→𝑞 (if p then q) is true.
Two-Column Form is one way
of organizing a proof. This
consists of two columns, one for
statements and one for reasons.
Indirect proof is a type of proof in which
a statement to be proved is assumed false
(by negation) and if the assumption leads
to an impossibility, then the statement
assumed false has been proved to be true.
Steps in writing an indirect proof:
1. Identify the statement you want to prove. Assume
temporarily that this statement is false by assuming
that its opposite is true.
2. Reasons logically until you reach a contradiction.
3. Point out that the desired conclusion must be true
because the contradiction proves the temporary
assumption false.
Directions: Prove the given statement using ONLY
ONE of the two methods
(direct proof or indirect proof) which you find easier to
use.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy