Does Majoring in Math Enhance Theoretical Physics Skills?

[Aequiveri]

I am an undergraduate physics major aspiring to study theoretical
physics in graduate school. I was wondering if it is better to double
major in math and physics, at the expense of taking less physics
classes and more rigorous proof based math, or minor in math and take
the two semester 'Mathematical Methods of Physics' course and a few other math
courses and more physics courses. I guess I really want to know if the
rigorous proof based math courses will help me become a better
theoretical physicist, or if I should just learn how to apply higher
level math techniques to problems of physics. I appreciate any advice
you can give me.

 

[Kevin_Axion]

I believe you would benefit in the context of acquiring a broader knowledge in advanced math and complex pure mathematical subjects (These are used primarily in theoretical physics: Group Theory, Number Theory, Differential Geometry, Topology...), the aspect of proofs will also allow one to process and understand certain concepts in a distinct persepctive. I don't believe that proofs are not used in the nature of Theoretical Physics, since pure mathematics concentrates on unnatural concepts it is the only way of of proving a certain idea. Theoretical Physics relies on experiment as a substitution for a proof therefore rigorous quantitative proofs in Mathematics aren't used as substantially.