Direct Proof
Direct proof stands as a fundamental method in mathematics, affirming the truth of a statement
through logical deductions and established axioms or theorems.
Definition and Basics
Direct Proof: This method validates a statement by establishing a logical sequence of deductions from
given assumptions, using definitions, axioms, and previously proven theorems.
Logical Sequence: The proof must seamlessly transition from one logical step to the next, ensuring a
coherent progression from the hypothesis to the conclusion.
Steps in Constructing a Direct Proof
Statement Identification: Clearly pinpoint the statement that requires proving.
Assumptions: Begin with the assumptions or given information that the proof will build upon.
Logical Progression: Employ logical steps and previously proven theorems to affirm the statement’s
truth.
Example: Direct Proof
Statement: If n is an even integer, then n squared is also even.
Method of Direct Proofs
The definitions of direct and indirect proofs give way to the steps we follow to perform each type of
proof.
To perform a direct proof, we use the following steps:
1Identify the hypothesis and conclusion of the conjecture you're trying to prove
2Assume the hypothesis to be true
3Use definitions, properties, theorems, etc. to make a series of deductions that eventually prove the
conclusion of the conjecture to be true
4State that by direct proof, the conclusion of the statement must be true
Proof:
Assumption: Let n be an even integer.
Definition: An even integer can be expressed as n = 2k, where k is an integer.
Calculation: n squared = (2k) squared = 4k squared = 2(2k squared).
Conclusion: Since n squared is divisible by 2, it is also an even integer.
Indirect Proof
NDIRECT PROOF. Indirect proof is based on the classical notion that any given sentence, such as the
conclusion, must be either true or false. We do indirect proof by assuming the premises to be true and
the conclusion to be false and deriving a contradiction.
Indirect proof, in contrast to direct proof, substantiates a statement by demonstrating that its negation
is false. This category encompasses proof by contradiction and contrapositive proof.
Method of Indirect Proofs
But to perform an indirect proof, we use a different process which includes the following steps:
1Assume the opposite of the conjecture, or assume that the conjecture is false
2Try to prove your assumption directly until you run into a contradiction
3Since we get a contradiction, it must be the case that the assumption that the opposite of the
hypothesis is true is false
4State that by contradiction, the original conjecture must be true
1. Proof by Contradiction
Proof by contradiction, or "reductio ad absurdum", validates a statement by assuming its negation is
true and demonstrating that this assumption leads to a contradiction.
Steps in Proof by Contradiction
Assume the Opposite: Begin by assuming that the negation of the statement is true.
Find a Contradiction: Employ logical reasoning to derive a contradiction from this assumption.
Conclusion: Conclude that the original statement must be true since its negation leads to a
contradiction.
Example: Proof by Contradiction
Statement: There are infinitely many prime numbers.
Proof:
Assume the Opposite: Suppose there are finitely many prime numbers.
Contradiction: Multiplying all the prime numbers together and adding 1 yields a number not divisible by
any of the primes, contradicting the assumption.
Conclusion: Therefore, there must be infinitely many prime numbers.
2. Contrapositive Proof
Contrapositive proof validates a statement "If P, then Q" by affirming "If not Q, then not P".
Steps in Contrapositive Proof
Identify the Contrapositive: Determine the contrapositive of the statement.
Prove the Contrapositive: Utilize logical reasoning to validate the contrapositive.
Conclusion: Affirm that the original statement is true if the contrapositive is true.
Example: Contrapositive Proof
Statement: If n squared is odd, then n is odd.
Proof:
Contrapositive: If n is not odd (i.e., even), then n squared is not odd (i.e., even).
Proof of Contrapositive: If n = 2k (even), then n squared = (2k) squared = 4k squared = 2(2k squared),
which is even.
Conclusion: The original statement is true.
