Website title: What Are the Most Epic Proof Phrases in Mathematics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of flamboyant and humorous phrases in mathematical proofs, particularly focusing on how these phrases can add character and flair to formal statements. Participants share examples of both traditional and exaggerated proof phrases, exploring their impact on the tone and style of mathematical writing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that common phrases like "therefore," "thus," and "clearly" are often used in proofs, while others highlight more extravagant phrases for humor.
  • A participant mentions the phrase "Bear witness to the fact that," combining it with "Indeed" for dramatic effect.
  • Another participant humorously proposes "It is left as an exercise for the reader" as a common phrase that can be integrated into daily life.
  • One post creatively uses a biblical style to present a proof, emphasizing the theatricality of mathematical language.
  • Several participants engage in playful banter, contributing their own exaggerated phrases and styles, such as "Steamrolling logically and inexorably forward" and "Forsooth, it is immediately and irrevocably clear."
  • There are variations in the seriousness of the contributions, with some posts being more lighthearted and others maintaining a semblance of formal proof structure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the enjoyment and creativity involved in using elaborate phrases in proofs, but there is no consensus on which phrases are the most effective or appropriate, leading to a variety of competing styles and preferences.

Contextual Notes

Some posts reference specific mathematical claims and proofs, but the focus remains on the stylistic elements rather than the correctness of the mathematical content itself.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to mathematicians, educators, and students who appreciate the interplay between language and mathematical expression, as well as those looking for inspiration in crafting their own proofs.

1MileCrash
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So, as all of you know, it is common in mathematical proof to begin a statement within the proof with one of those phrases such as "then," or "therefore," or "and so," or "hence", "thus" etc.

But sometimes, for flavor, they can get a little more smug, such as,

"indeed," - my topology professor. You had to hear him say it.
"clearly," - pretty smug
"it is clear that"

then, we start getting into the more epic:

"Bear witness to the fact that,"

And these can even be combined:

"Indeed, let us bear witness to the fact that"

But perhaps the most epic one of all, was an algebra professor at my school (Arturo Magidin, for the math.SE posters):

"We let x stand sentinel to the fact that"

Wow, straight out of JRR Tolkein.

So, for fun, I want to see what you can come up with. For the sake of participation, I have included a small proof in which you can "fill in the blanks" with the most flamboyant, pompous proof phrases you can think of.

Claim: Any multiple of an even integer is even.

Proof:
Let k be an even integer.
______, there is exist an integer n such that k = 2n.
______, let a be an integer. Then consider ak.
______, ak = 2(an).
______, ak is even by definition

example:
Let k be an even integer.
Indubitably, there is exist an integer n such that k = 2n.
To further embark on our quest for truth, let a be an integer. Then consider ak.
It is abundantly clear as the full moon on a pale October night, ak = 2(an)
Rightfully so, it is indeed shown for all to see that ak is even by definition
 
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"_________" is trivially obvious and will be left as a exercise for the reader.
 
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Claim: Any multiple of an even integer is even.

Let k be an even integer.
Since k is stipulated to be even, it is patently obvious there must exist some integer, n, which conforms perfectly to the statement, k = 2n.
Steamrolling logically and inexorably forward, let a be an integer. Then consider ak.
It will be immediately apprehended, and is not rationally possible to doubt, that ak = 2(an)
Therefore, we may boldly take up our chisel and hammer and vigorously inscribe in stone that ak is even by definition, and that, by extension to the infinite series of integers to which a, k, and n, belong, any multiple of an even integer is even, now, here, and in the whole universe, for all eternity.
 
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And lo, the Lord spake of k, and He named k an integer.
Forsooth, there does exist an integer n. n is an integer, and by divine grace it doth satisfy k=2n.
Then the Lord said: "Behold, I give a unto you. a I give you, and a is an integer. Venerate the holy union of ak."
Thus spake the Lord. And great light descended upon the chosen people, and hosts of angels sang in unison, and they all saw with immaculate clarity that ak=2(an).
And they spread their seed across the four winds and preached the Truth of ak being even. Such is the definition from on high.
 
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It can be shown

:headbang:
 
In the beginning we have k as an even integer.
We postulate that, there is another integer n such that k = 2n.
Furthermore it can be shown that if we introduce a as an integer. We can obviously consider ak.
And by all operators definitions ak would then = 2(an).
Therefore and from thence on, ak will be even by definition QED
 
Claim: Any multiple of an even integer is even.

Proof:
Let k be an even integer.
As even the most vacuous student will immediately realize, there is quite obviously an integer n such that k = 2n.
The next step is ridiculously elementary, and we omit it for brevity.
Forsooth, it is immediately and irrevocably clear that beyond all doubt and question, ak = 2(an).
The remainder of the proof is left as an incredibly trivial exercise.
 
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"It is left as an exercise for the reader..."

I try to work this one into my daily life :D.
 
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As it is written, so let it be shown.
 
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Let K be an integer.
It can be shown that K [has some property]
It is now clear that [some property is related to some other property]
We omit several elementary steps for clarity. (Yes, clarity).
We leave the remainder of the proof as an exercise for the reader.
QED.
 
  • #11
Behold!

https://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts/figures/10013.2.1.gif
 
  • #12
Check out my slightly more serious thread on the topic: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/these-words-should-never-be-uttered-by-mathematicians.783296/

Bandersnatch said:
And lo, the Lord spake of k, and He named k an integer.
Forsooth, there does exist an integer n. n is an integer, and by divine grace it doth satisfy k=2n.
Then the Lord said: "Behold, I give a unto you. a I give you, and a is an integer. Venerate the holy union of ak."
Thus spake the Lord. And great light descended upon the chosen people, and hosts of angels sang in unison, and they all saw with immaculate clarity that ak=2(an).
And they spread their seed across the four winds and preached the Truth of ak being even. Such is the definition from on high.
lol
 

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