Disproving an incorrect theorem?

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In summary, the theorem states that if x and y are real numbers and x + y = 10, then x ≠ 3 and y ≠ 8. However, this theorem is incorrect and can be disproven by a counterexample, such as x = 3 and y = 7. The incorrectness is due to the fact that the negation of the conclusion is not properly considered.
  • #1
YamiBustamante
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Incorrect Theorem:
Suppose x and y are real numbers and x + y = 10, then x != 3 and y != 8.

(a) What’s wrong with the following proof of the theorem?

Proof. Suppose the conclusion of the theorem is false. Then x = 3 and y = 8. But then x + y = 11, which contradicts the given information that x + y = 10. Therefore the conclusion must be true.

(b) Show that the theorem is incorrect by finding a counterexample.So according to the answer it's false because x != 3 can't be proven with x = 3 because that's not the negation, but even so, isn't the theorem true because 3 + 8 = 11 which does contradict the premise... I'm very confused by this...

For b, the counter example was x = 3 and x = 7 but how does that disprove it? I'm still very confused by counter examples.
So would it be written as "Suppose x and y are real numbers and x + y = 10, then x = 3 and y = 7" Is that how the counter example would be written?

Please explain!
 
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  • #2
YamiBustamante said:
Proof. Suppose the conclusion of the theorem is false. Then x = 3 and y = 8.

That is not the negation of the theorem.
 
  • #3
micromass said:
That is not the negation of the theorem.
So the proof is false so therefore the theorem is false or is the theorem already false to begin with, so proof would also be false...
 
  • #4
micromass said:
That is not the negation of the theorem.
Never mind. I figured it out. Thank you.
 
  • #5
In the statement, the conclusion is "then ##x \ne 3 \text{ and } y \ne 8##"

The negation of the conclusion is ##x = 3 \text{ or } y = 8##. I believe this is what micromass was alluding to.
 

1. How can you prove that a theorem is incorrect?

In order to prove that a theorem is incorrect, you must find a counterexample that contradicts the statement of the theorem. This means finding a specific case where the theorem does not hold true.

2. Can a theorem ever be completely disproven?

No, a theorem can never be completely disproven. It is always possible that new evidence or discoveries could change our understanding of a concept and make the theorem applicable again.

3. What is the difference between a counterexample and a proof?

A counterexample is a specific instance that disproves a theorem, while a proof is a logical argument that verifies the truth of a statement. A counterexample only needs to show that a theorem is not true in one case, while a proof must demonstrate that the theorem holds true in all cases.

4. How do you know when a theorem has been disproven?

When a counterexample has been found that contradicts the statement of the theorem, it is considered disproven. However, the disproven theorem may still hold true in certain cases or under specific conditions.

5. What role does peer review play in disproving incorrect theorems?

Peer review is an important part of the scientific process and can help identify errors or flaws in a theorem. If a theorem is found to be incorrect, peer review allows for other scientists to review and verify the findings, leading to a more reliable and accurate understanding of the concept.

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