How to Read and Do Proofs: An Introduction to Mathematical Thought Processes - Softcover

Solow, Daniel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471406473 ISBN 13: 9780471406471

Publisher: Wiley, 2001

Synopsis

This book categorizes, identifies and explains the various techniques that are used repeatedly in all proofs and explains how to read proofs that arise in mathematical literature by understanding which techniques are used and how they are applied.

About this title

From the Publisher:

This straightforward guide describes the main methods used to prove mathematical theorems. Shows how and when to use each technique such as the contrapositive, induction and proof by contradiction. Each method is illustrated by step-by-step examples. The Second Edition features new chapters on nested quantifiers and proof by cases, and the number of exercises has been doubled with answers to odd-numbered exercises provided. This text will be useful as a supplement in mathematics and logic courses. Prerequisite is high-school algebra.

From the Back Cover:

LEARN HOW TO READ, UNDERSTAND, AND DO PROOFS!

Daniel Solow's new Third Edition of HOW TO READ AND DO PROOFS will help yopu master the basic techniques that are used in all proofs, regardless of the mathematical subject matter in which the proof arises. Once you have a firm grasp of the techniques, you'll be better equipped to read, understand and actually do proofs. You'll learn when each techniques is likely to be successful, based on the form of the theorem.
This edition present new material, examples and exercises that show you how to explain proofs in terms of the techniques discussed in the text, improved explanations, and a glossary of key terms for easy reference.

KEY FEATURES:

• Shows how any proof can be understood as a sequence of techniques.
• Covers the full range of techniques used in proofs, such as the contrapositive, induction, and proof by contradiction.
• Explains how to identify which techniques are used and how they are applied in the specific problem.
• Illustrates how to read written proofs with many step-by-step examples.
• Requires no college-level math.
• Uses ordinary language instead of symbolic logic to explain the nature of proofs.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0471406473
• ISBN 13: 9780471406471
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 224