Proof By Contradiction Exercises

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding exercises for practicing Mathematical Proof by Contradiction, particularly for individuals who have recently completed A-levels in the UK. The user expresses a desire for resources that do not heavily emphasize propositional logic, as their A-level curriculum included minimal exposure to mathematical proof concepts. Recommended resources include "The Nuts and Bolts of Proofs" by Antonella Cupillari and "How to Read and Do Proofs" by Daniel Solow, both of which provide accessible exercises without extensive logical theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mathematical concepts from A-level Maths and Further Maths.
  • Familiarity with Proof by Induction as a foundational proof technique.
  • Basic knowledge of inequalities and recurrence relations.
  • Exposure to series and their general formulas.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore online platforms offering exercises specifically for Proof by Contradiction.
  • Study "The Nuts and Bolts of Proofs" by Antonella Cupillari for practical exercises.
  • Read "How to Read and Do Proofs" by Daniel Solow to enhance proof-writing skills.
  • Investigate additional resources that focus on mathematical proofs without extensive logic theory.
USEFUL FOR

Students transitioning from A-level Maths to university-level mathematics, educators seeking supplementary materials for teaching proof techniques, and anyone interested in enhancing their skills in Mathematical Proof by Contradiction.

Galadirith
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Hi guys, I am looking to find some exercises, preferably online to practice Mathematical Proof by Contradiction.

I have just finished my A-levels in the UK doing Maths and Further Maths and very little is done in the way of mathematical proof. The is only a single chapter on proof by induction, with a short bit explaining the concept of Proof by induction and then many questions asking you to proove by induction. The question ask either to proove that and inequality is correct, proove that the solution to a reccurence relation is correct or prove that the general formula to a series is correct.

Now logic in the sense of propositional logic or otherwise actually is not discussed at all or even required as a prerequisit to doing this (true mathematical logic isn't disscused at all in the maths A-levels in the UK), everything is done in "Plain english" as it were :D. And I am really looking for a similar thing to practice proof by contradiction. I am currently reading "100% mathematical proof", which is really enjoyable, but proof is approched from a completely logic standpoint with the first half of the book really didicated to familiraising the reader with propositional and predicate logic, and in truth I know that is the way it should be done, other wise youll end up with unrigourous proofs, which arnt really proofs then. And it seems that all the material I can find that includes exercises for contradiction take the completely logical standpoint, presented in with logic maths text or philosiphy texts.

Can anyone suggest something similar to what I have found in my A-level for induction, without all the logic shrouding it, I am sure most would advise against it but I really have thought about it and would love to find some exercises that I can do without the need to learn basic logic theory first. Any help, suggestions or advise would be really appreciated, thanks a lot guys :D
 
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Very late reply, but in case someone else is interested, here are a couple books I find useful:
"The Nuts and Bolts of Proofs," by Antonella Cupillari, published by Wadsworth Publishing Co.
ISBN 0-534-10320-0

"How to Read and Do Proofs," by Daniel Solow, published by John Wiley and Sons
ISBN 0-471-51004-1
 

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