Prove It: The Art of Mathematical Argument

The model for modern mathematical thinking was forged 2,300 years ago in Euclid's Elements. Prove three of Euclid's theorems and investigate his famous fifth postulate dealing with parallel lines. Also, learn how proofs are important in Professor Edwards's own research.

Logic is the foundation of mathematical proofs. In the first of three lectures on logic, study the connectors "and" and "or." When used in combination in mathematical statements, these simple terms can create interesting complexity. See how truth tables are very useful for determining when such statements are true or false.

Continue your study of logic by looking at negations of statements and the logical operation called implication, which is used in most mathematical theorems. Professor Edwards opens the lecture with a fascinating example of the implication of a false hypothesis that appears to pose a logical puzzle.

In the final lecture on logic, explore the quantifiers "for all" and "there exists," learning how these operations are negated. Quantifiers play a large role in calculus - for example, when defining the concept of a sequence, which you study in greater detail in upcoming lectures.

Begin a series of lectures on different proof techniques by looking at direct proofs, which make straightforward use of a hypothesis to arrive at a conclusion. Try several examples, including proofs involving division and inequalities. Then learn tricks that mathematicians use to make proofs easier than they look.