- #1
katia11
- 18
- 0
Homework Statement
Prove: If x2=y2 then x=y or x=-y
Homework Equations
the twelve basic properties?
The Attempt at a Solution
I am in an honors calculus course that teaches calculus through proofs. Other than triangle geometry proofs, I have never done proofs. I have approached my professor for help, and he doesn't seem to help and makes me feel kind of bad for going to him.
My first problem set pertains to Chapter 1 of Spivak's Calculus. I understand all the basic properties, and I understand the proofs we did in class, but I do not understand how to do them on my own. I think I am mostly afraid that I won't do enough steps to prove things. My classmates all seem to understand these things, but I REALLY just need some help getting started.
Sorry I don't have much of an attempt other than staring at my list of the 12 properties and the problem for the past forty five minutes. Where do I begin? I am very discouraged, but I don't want to drop my course.
Thank you so much! I would REALLY appreciate some help.