SOLUTION: Hi I really need help with proofs. It is my math teachers first year teaching geometry and he is not the best at explaining it. I really need help!

Question 429516: Hi I really need help with proofs. It is my math teachers first year teaching geometry and he is not the best at explaining it. I really need help!
Answer by vleith(2983) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Best way to do this is to post a specific problem.
In general, when i do proofs, I do them like this.
Take a fresh sheet of paper and draw vertical line (top to bottom) down the middle of the page.
On the left side you 'show your steps one at a time'. On the right side, you give a reason why you are allowed to make that step. Usually that means a reference to Euclid or some other axiom/corralary/etc.
First thing to do is state the problem. Basically, just repeat what you were asked to prove.
'if x , then show that y'
Then start showing steps.
First step is to put the part of the proof you are given in the problem. The part that is the x in 'if x , then show that y' goes on the first line left side. Write "given" on the right side next to that line.
Then step by step work toward the last line with is the y part of the original problem. In each step you show a mathematical formula on the left side and a reason why you are allowed to make that next step on the right side.
When you get to that last line, smile and write QED on the right side of the page.
Here's a tip: sometimes it is hard to work from the top straight to the bottom. In those cases, consider working from the top down as far as you can. Then if you are stuck, start at the bottom and work up. With a little luck, you will be able to meet in the middle.
Good Luck

RELATED QUESTIONS
Is anyone familar with Flow Proofs in geometry? I am trying to assit my daughter in H.S. (answered by stanbon)

Hi I am trying to help my son with his geometry homework. I never took geometry. He is... (answered by xinxin)

A chemist has 500ml of water. How much pure acid should be added to produce a solution... (answered by josgarithmetic)

okay, i am doing proofs in class and i have had three tests and failed them all. Not to... (answered by Mathtut)

My 14 year old son has Asperger Syndrome and, up until this year, has always excelled in... (answered by robertb)

my math teacher is literally horrible at teaching and every year 75% of his class fails... (answered by rodriguezh2)

I DON'T UNDERSTAND PROOFS AT ALL. we're doing them in my geometry class and i'm like.. (answered by elima)

My question is for hyperbolas, I need to fine the vertecies foci slope and then draw a... (answered by bmauger)

Hello. I need help with geometric proofs in geometry. It is hard for me to understand the (answered by josgarithmetic)