SOLUTION: How do you solve proofs?

Algebra ->  Geometry-proofs -> SOLUTION: How do you solve proofs?       Log On


   

Question 524825: How do you solve proofs?
Found 2 solutions by solver91311, richard1234:
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Start by completing a year of High School Geometry.

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
The Out Campaign: Scarlet Letter of Atheism

Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Just prove what the question is asking for (note that "prove" means to justify or demonstrate the truth of a statement -- it does not mean to check only one case and claim it works, except for some existence proofs).

Then once you're familiar with various proof techniques such as induction, proof by contradiction, direct proof, etc., you can move onto more challenging proofs. The annual USAMO competition, for example, is a prestigious contest that has six proof questions to be completed in nine hours, spread over two days (yes, 1 1/2 hrs per question). The Art of Problem Solving website contains all of the past USAMO questions, if you're interested (note that some of the problems can be extremely difficult).