Justify Definition: Proofs - Meaning & Example

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the meaning of the term "justify" in the context of mathematical proofs. Participants explore whether justification requires a general proof applicable to all cases or if providing an example suffices.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether "justify" means to show an example or to prove a statement for all cases.
  • Another participant asserts that "justify" means to prove, distinguishing it from "substantiate" or "confirm," which may involve examples.
  • A further inquiry is made about whether showing an example is sufficient to justify a theorem.
  • One participant indicates a preference to answer each question only once, suggesting a focus on clarity in responses.
  • Another participant references a previous answer, implying that it addressed the question about justification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the sufficiency of examples for justification, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise definition of "justify" in proofs.

Contextual Notes

There may be limitations in the definitions of terms like "justify," "prove," and "example," which could depend on specific mathematical contexts or interpretations.

Phymath
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when dealing with proofs, what does the word "Justify" mean? does it mean show an example or prove for all cases?
 
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it means prove it. An example might "substantiate", or "confirm" a statement, or "lend credence" to it, but would not "justify" it.
 
so showing an example would not be enough to "justify" a therom?
 
i only answer each question once.
 
yeah, mathwonk kind of just answered that questoin
 

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