Proofs

Revision

• s a t _ _ f _ a b _ l _ t y
•____________ normal form
•_________s a l quantifier
•_________ i a l quantifier
•
•_ i _ e c _ proof
 Direct Proof

•If n is odd then n^2 is also odd.

 Direct Proof

In Direct Proof P→Q is proven by assuming P is

true then using axioms, definitions and previous
theorems and rule of inference also prove the q
must also be true
Proof that if m and n are perfect squares then mn is also a perfect square.
 Proof that if m and n are rational then m+n is rational.

••Axiom
  Def of Rational if x is rational then x = a/b for some int a,b
• P(x) = x is rational.

•
•= Let
• therefore m+n is rational Q.E.D.
 Proof that product of two odd integers is odd.

• If two integers are odd, then their product is also odd.
•P(x) = x is odd.
•If a and b are odd, then a x b is also odd
•A and b are odd  ab is also odd

•P(a) and P(b)  P(ab)

∀ 𝒂 , 𝒃 ∈ ℤ , 𝑷 ( 𝒂 ) ⋀ 𝑷 ( 𝒃 ) → 𝑷 (𝒂𝒃 )  
• 
•Axiom
Proof by Contradiction
 Proof by contradiction

• To prove P is true, we assume P is false (i.e. is true) and

•then use this hypothesis to drive a falsehood (or

contradiction)
 Proof that 3n+2 is odd then n is odd

1. Write, “We use proof by contradiction.”

2. Write, “Suppose P is false.”

3. Deduce something known to be false (a logical

contradiction).

4. Write, “This is a contradiction. Therefore, P must be true.”

 Proof that 3n+2 is odd then n is odd

• For sake of contradiction:

•Assume 3n+2 is even, and n is odd.

•Replace n = 2k +1 in 3n+2

•
• ,
•
•This is a contradiction. Therefore if 3n+2 is odd then n is odd
 Negation of Implication

P Q PQ ~Q ~P ~PQ

T T T T T
T F F F T
F T T T T
F F T T F
 Practice
• Square root of 2 is irrational.
• 
1. For sake of contradiction
2. Assume {by def of rational number}

3. If

4.
Proof by Picture
 Pythagoras Theorem

• 

2 2 2
𝑎 +𝑏 =𝑐
 Pythagoras Theorem

• 

2 2 2
𝑎 +𝑏 =𝑐
 Pythagoras Theorem

• 

2 2 2
𝑎 +𝑏 =𝑐
Infinite Gold
Infinite Gold
Infinite Gold
Mistakes in Proof
 Proof that 1 = 2

• 
• multiply by a
• subtract by
• factorize
• divide by (a-b)
• substitute a
• simplify/ divide by b on both sides
End of lecture!