How to Prove It: A Structured Approach

by Daniel J. Velleman

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Description

Proofs play a central role in advanced mathematics and theoretical computer science, yet many students struggle the first time they take a course in which proofs play a significant role. This bestselling text's third edition helps students transition from solving problems to proving theorems by teaching them the techniques needed to read and write proofs. Featuring over 150 new exercises and a new chapter on number theory, this new edition introduces students to the world of advanced show more mathematics through the mastery of proofs. The book begins with the basic concepts of logic and set theory to familiarize students with the language of mathematics and how it is interpreted. These concepts are used as the basis for an analysis of techniques that can be used to build up complex proofs step by step, using detailed 'scratch work' sections to expose the machinery of proofs about numbers, sets, relations, and functions. Assuming no background beyond standard high school mathematics, this book will be useful to anyone interested in logic and proofs: computer scientists, philosophers, linguists, and, of course, mathematicians. show less

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6 reviews
A great book on mathematical proofs for someone with very limited prior knowledge.

The exercises are great, though they are plenty and can take a considerable amount of time to work through.
This should be required reading for all math majors and those who want to learn how to write formal proofs. It is well written with lots of examples.
This book demonstrates proofs and shows the underlying logical machinery behind them. It focuses especially on the language of mathematical logic. This is a good thing since most of the symbols might as well be from an alien language. It is split into seven chapters with two appendices, a section on suggested further reading, a summary of proof techniques mentioned, and an index. The book also mentions Proof Building Software, but I did not check to see if the link still worked or not.
Not yet read--deals with logical and mathematical proofs using examples from a variety of fields.
The book begins with the basic concepts of logic and set theory to familiarize students with the language of mathematics and how it is interpreted.

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Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Philosophy
DDC/MDS
511.3Natural sciences & mathematicsMathematicsGeneral principles of mathematicsMathematical (Symbolic) logic
LCC
QA9 .V38ScienceMathematicsMathematicsGeneral
BISAC

Statistics

Members
613
Popularity
47,821
Reviews
5
Rating
(4.11)
Languages
English, Turkish
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
14
ASINs
3