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Appendix A: Proofs

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  • 1.1: A.1- Introduction
    Before attempting a proof, it’s important to know what a proof is and how to construct one.
  • 1.2: A.2- Starting a Proof
    Write what you are trying to prove at the bottom of a fresh sheet of paper.
  • 1.3: A.3- Using Definitions
    We mentioned that you must be familiar with all definitions that may be used in the proof, and that you can properly apply them. This is a really important point, and it is worth looking at in a bit more detail.
  • 1.4: A.4- Inference Patterns
    Proofs are composed of individual inferences. There are some common patterns of inference that are used very often in proofs.
  • 1.5: A.5- An Example
    Our first example is a simple fact about unions and intersections of sets. It will illustrate unpacking definitions, proofs of conjunctions, of universal claims, and proof by cases.
  • 1.6: A.6- Another Example
    We prove that if AC, then A(CA)=C.
  • 1.7: A.7- Proof by Contradiction
    Suppose you want to show that some claim p is false, i.e., you want to show ¬p. The most promising strategy is to (a) suppose that p is true, and (b) show that this assumption leads to something you know to be false.
  • 1.8: A.8- Reading Proofs
    Proofs you find in textbooks and articles very seldom give all the details we have so far included in our examples. You will often have to fill in those details for yourself in order to understand the proof. Doing this is also good practice to get the hang of the various moves you have to make in a proof.
  • 1.9: A.9- I Can’t Do It!
    Here are a few tips to help you avoid a crisis, and what to do if you feel like giving up.
  • 1.10: A.10- Other Resources
    There are many books on how to do proofs in mathematics which may be useful.

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