Proof by Contradiction

Proof by contradiction (also known as indirect proof or the method of reductio ad absurdum) is a
common proof technique that is based on a very simple principle: something that leads to a
contradiction can not be true, and if so, the opposite must be true. It's a principle that is reminiscent of
the philosophy of a certain fictional detective:

"When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

"Sherlock Holmes" in the novel The Sign of the Four (1890) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

To prove a statement by contradiction, start by assuming the opposite of what you would like to prove.
Then show that the consequences of this premise are impossible. This means that your original
statement must be true.