1.
Types of Proofs
There are two main types of proofs:
● Direct Proof: This type of proof uses logical arguments where each statement is justified
by a definition, a postulate, a previously proven theorem, or a given fact.
● Indirect Proof: Involves assuming the opposite of the conclusion and showing that this
assumption leads to a contradiction.
2. Properties of Equality
For all real numbers a, b, c, and d, the following properties are true:
1. Reflexive Property: a = a
2. Symmetric Property: If a = b, then b = a.
3. Transitive Property: If a = b and b = c, then a = c.
4. Addition Property: If a = b and c = d, then a + c = b + d.
5. Subtraction Property: If a = b and c = d, then a - c = b - d.
6. Multiplication Property: If a = b and c = d, then ac = bd.
7. Substitution Property: If a + b = c and b = d, then a + d = c.
3. Postulates
● Angle Addition Postulate (AAP): If point S lies in the interior of angle PQR, then
m∠PQS + m∠SQR = m∠PQR.
● Whole-Part Postulate (WPP): The whole is equal to the sum of its parts and greater than
any of its parts. For example,
AC = AB + BC and AC > AB or BC.
4. How to Write Proofs
Two-Column Proofs
In a two-column proof, the left column lists statements and the right column lists the
corresponding reasons. Each statement must be supported by a reason, which could be a given
fact, a definition, a postulate, or a previously proven theorem.
Example 1:
● Given: angle LOE and angle EOV are complementary.
Prove: OL is perpendicular to OV.
Statements Reasons
1. angle LOE and angle EOV are complementary Given
2. m∠LOE + m∠EOV = 90° Definition of complementary angles
3. m∠LOE + m∠EOV = m∠LOV Angle Addition Postulate
(AAP)
4. m∠LOV = 90° Transitive Property of Equality (TPE)
5. angle LOV is a right angle Definition of a right angle
6. OL is perpendicular to OV Definition of perpendicularity
Paragraph Proofs
In a paragraph proof, the same logical argument is presented in written form rather than in
columns.
Example 1:
● Given: angle LOE and angle EOV are complementary.
Prove: OL is perpendicular to OV.
Proof: Since angle LOE and angle EOV are complementary, we know that m∠LOE + m∠EOV
= 90° by the definition of complementary angles. By the Angle Addition Postulate, m∠LOE +
m∠EOV = m∠LOV. Therefore, m∠LOV = 90° by the transitive property, making angle LOV a
right angle by definition. Hence, OL is perpendicular to OV by the definition of perpendicularity.
5. Additional Proof Examples
Example 2:
● Given: AC = BD
Prove: AB = CD.
Statements Reasons
1. AC = BD Given
2. AC = AB + BC Whole-Part Postulate (WPP)
3. BD = BC + CD Whole-Part Postulate (WPP)
4. AB + BC = BC + CD Substitution (from steps 1, 2, and 3)
5. BC = BC Reflexive Property of Equality (RPE)
6. AB = CD Subtraction Property of Equality (SPE)
6. Practice Exercises
7. Given: OL is perpendicular to OV
Prove: angle LOE and angle EOV are complementary.
