Question 451956: I do not completely understand how to make formal proofs. Are there any ways I can get better at it? (i.e. a good website or tips for understanding) I have tried on quizzes but do not seem to understand. Thanks
Answer by richard1234(7193)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! My advice is that when you are asked to prove something, make sure you prove exactly what it says and that all exceptions are covered for. Do not merely make assumptions (e.g. if you are asked to prove the area of a triangle A = bh/2, do not assume that one side is the base and another is the height, implying a 90 degree angle) unless you can show that all other cases are analogous.
When writing a formal proof, always make sure you are as concise as possible. Most proofs are expressed as a two-column proof or as a paragraph proof, or "essay" (I prefer the paragraph proof since it can be applied to various types of proof).
The Wikipedia article for "mathematical proof" details some common proof techniques: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_proof
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