Introduction to mathematical arguments background handout for courses requiring proofs by michael hutchings a mathematical proof is an argument which convinces other people that something is true. It has been approved by the american institute of mathematics open textbook initiative. Math isnt a court of law, so a preponderance of the evidence or beyond any reasonable doubt isnt good enough. Its goal is to broaden the public knowledge of the axiomatic method. The book is admittedly simplistic, after all, its target audience is the curious student who has little background in math and needs everyting spelled out at an elementary level. A mathematical proof is an inferential argument for a mathematical statement, showing that the stated assumptions logically guarantee the conclusion. A journey into elegant mathematics, by alsina and nelsen. Its a little idiosyncratic i have never seen his method of forward. Bookofproofs mathematics, physics and computer science. These techniques will be useful in more advanced mathematics courses, as well as courses in statistics, computers science, and other areas. Inwriting this book i have been motivated by the desire to create a. In this book gibilisco will gently guide you through the nuts and bolts of how to write, read and construct mathematical proofs.
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