Proof

Pronunciation: /pruf/ Explain

A proof is a logical argument that shows that a claim is always true.^[1] A mathematical proof must show that a claim is true in all cases, without any exceptions. The opposite of a proof is a disproof is the opposite of a proof: an argument that shows a claim is always false. A claim that has not been proved always true and has not been proved always false, but is generally believed to be true is called a conjecture.

Types of Proofs

The are many types of proofs. Some of the types that are commonly used are:

• Direct proof: A direct proof is built on axioms, definitions and previously proved theorems.
• Proof by induction: An inductive proof is used to proof claims about infinite sets. An inductive proof shows that if a claim is true for the first case and for an arbitrary case, it is always true for the next case after the arbitrary case.
• Proof by transposition: A proof by transposition shows that the contrapositive of a statement is true. Since the contrapositive of a statement is always true if the original statement is true, the statement is taken to be true.
• Proof by contradiction: A proof by contradiction starts with a claim. The assumption is made that the claim is false. The proof then shows that if the claim is false a contradiction is reached. The claim must then be true.
• Proof by exhaustion: In proof by exhaustion, a claims is divided into a number of cases, and each of the cases is individually proved.
• Proof by construction: In proof by construction, a concrete example is 'constructed' with a property that shows that something with that property exists. A proof by construction can also be called a proof by example.
• Flow proof: A flow proof is a proof where each statement and its justification are placed in a box and arrows show the logical flow from one box to another.

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, proof. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 145. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book
2. Cupillari, Antonella. Nuts and Bolts of Proof: An Introduction to Mathematical Proofs. 3rd edition. Academic Press. August 15, 2005. Buy the book

More Information

• Disproof. allmathwords.org. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. 1/11/2010. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/d/disproof.html.

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Proof. 12/21/2018. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/p/proof.html.

Revision History

12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
12/1/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup. (McAdams, David E.)
8/7/2018: Changed vocabulary links to WORDLINK format. (McAdams, David E.)
5/4/2010: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)