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

  • Thread starter Thread starter 1MileCrash
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Proof
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the use of grandiose and humorous phrases in mathematical proofs, highlighting how certain expressions can add flair to otherwise straightforward statements. Participants share examples of pompous language, such as "indeed," "bear witness," and even elaborate phrases likening mathematical reasoning to epic narratives. A playful challenge is presented to fill in the blanks of a proof about even integers with similarly extravagant language. The tone is light-hearted, with contributors enjoying the creativity involved in transforming formal proofs into theatrical performances. The overall theme emphasizes the balance between rigor in mathematics and the enjoyment of language.
1MileCrash
Messages
1,338
Reaction score
41
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
 
  • Like
Likes Enigman, edward and collinsmark
Physics news on Phys.org
"_________" is trivially obvious and will be left as a exercise for the reader.
 
  • Like
Likes mheslep and Enigman
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.
 
  • Like
Likes Drakkith and metapuff
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.
 
  • Like
Likes Hercuflea, Drakkith, PeroK and 3 others
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.
 
  • Like
Likes TheDemx27
"It is left as an exercise for the reader..."

I try to work this one into my daily life :D.
 
  • Like
Likes Medicol and collinsmark
As it is written, so let it be shown.
 
  • #10
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
 

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
10K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
0
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Back
Top