How to Read and Do Proofs: An Introduction to Mathematical Thought Process

by Daniel Solow

Book Overview

This straightforward guide describes the main methods used to prove mathematical theorems. Shows how and when to use each technique such as the contrapositive, induction and proof by contradiction. Each method is illustrated by step-by-step examples. The Second Edition features new chapters on nested quantifiers and proof by cases, and the number of exercises has been doubled with answers to odd-numbered exercises provided. This text will be useful...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471866458
• ISBN13: 9780471866459
• Release Date: January 1982
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Big Improvement in Second Edition

Contrary to the review by the person from Louisiana I feel the second edition is better than the first. The typesetting is greatly improved, and there are a few new tools for your toolbag in the second edition.As to the criticism that the second edition only has solutions for the odd numbered problems, the reviewer failed to mention that there are twice as many problems in the new edition and that all the problems from the first edition were carried into the second (along with their solutions). I found it more satisfying working through the second edition knowing that the problems were correctly solved - not because the answer matches the back of the book - but because the arguments are compelling and demonstrably correct.I heartily recommend this book to anyone who feels mystified at the process of writing proofs.

Great Introduction to proofs

When I order this book it was not at all clear if I would like it, because of it low grades contain and examples. I was very surprised when I received it, because the book is written very clearly. The author make a great job when he explains the technics of proof. The exercises and the examples are definitely too easy for an undergraduate or graduate but you must take a look at it just for the explanation that the author gives for the technics of proof. The examples and exercises are mostly for high school students. The price of the book make it very affordable. It worth the price. I would recommend this book to anyone who want to introduce himself into the basic of proofs.

YOUR FIRST BOOK IN MATHEMATICS

YOU REALLY NEED THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE TRYING TO STUDY ABSTRACT MATHEMATICS BY YOURSELF OR WITH A TEACHER. LIKE ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING THAT LIKE TO DO MATHEMATICS THIS BOOK REALLY HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO READ PROOFS AND MADE MY OWNS.

Basic proof techniques

This book is the "magic decoder ring" for terse proofs. This book should be passed out to every undergraduate taking the first mathematical analysis course. Numerous examples and exercises are included. The typesetting and notation are very readable. The great strength of this book is that the proofs used for exercises are restricted to the level of algebra and set theory. This makes it easy to concentrate on the technique of proof rather than the specific results. Also check out Polya's book "How to Prove It" and Velleman's book of the same name.