To prove mathematical results, in general we use any of the following methods.
(1) When statements of the form pq are used to arrive at the truth of a certain mathematical result this kind of approach to establish the result is known as the “direct proof”.
(2) In case an equivalent statement is used to arrive at the result then this method of proof is known as “indirect proof”. In particular, in place of arriving at a statement q form a statement p if we arrive at p from q then such a kind of proof is called “contrapositive proof”.
Symbolically, we establish q p in place of pq.
(3) Sometimes, to prove a certain result p, it is convenient to prove equivalent form (p), i.e. negation of p. This method of proof involves contradiction of negation of p.
For example, to prove uniqueness of a certain element, if possible, suppose is
element satisfying the properties of then we show that. In such a case, instead of directly proving the proposition p= “ is unique,” i.e. for every satisfying properties of, , we prove (p) or () i.e. .
(4) To prove a mathematical result p(n) concerning natural number n, sometimes convenient to prove the truth of p(n) for n + 1 whenever p(n) holds true for n. And, if mis the least natural number for which p(n)holds, then the truth of p(n)is established for all .Such a method of proof is called “method or principle of finite induction”. This method depends upon the fact that the natural numbers follow the principle of finite induction.
For illustration of this method let us prove for all natural numbers that
The result (*) is evident for. Let us suppose that it is true for some . Then (*) gives that
Thus, (*) being true for is also true for. And it already holds for . Hence (*) is established.
The use of methods described in (1)to (4)would appear at various places in our subsequent course of study. In various types of proofs the quantifier symbols and are found quite useful. These symbols and stand for the words “for all” and “there exists” respectively. Whenever we write, it stands in the sense that we can find the quantity it precedes under specified conditions.