How to read and do proofs

by Daniel Solow

An easy-to-use guide that shows how to read, understand, and do proofs.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Logic, Computer Science, Science, Stem

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Eno RoJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Challenge 2020: 24. Un libro sobre un tema del que no sabes nada

Siempre había creído que las matemáticas no eran complicadas, hasta que llegué a tomar clases de análisis 😟

El problema es que nadie se toma la molestia en explicar como se hace una demostración ni la lógica que debe de seguir (lo que es valido, y lo que no es)😕

[Matt Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of the mathematics people are taught in school is simply calculation. Algebra, Trig, etc. all have their place but to get a real feel for what mathematics is and to glimpse its beauty you must get into abstraction. But first you'll need a primer on how to read and do proofs. This book is an excellent introduction to that. You'll be taking on Cantor in no time.

[Julie Moronuki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very solid introduction to proof techniques, well illustrated with examples and exercises. I particularly liked the extended examples in the appendices.

[Victoria Zabuzova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Must read for high-school . Well, 'read' not so much as understanding of proofs with mathematics.

[Tuvalu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading in preparation for a proof writing class. While I cant say it prepared me a ton for the class, it was still a very interesting look at the logic behind proofs. The inclusion of proofs for other areas of mathematics is also very nice

[Aprilleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this from the university library to help me remember what I had learned about mathematical proofs years ago. It's surprisingly easy to read and takes a fairly direct approach to the material. I'm not sure how this approach would work for someone that wasn't already somewhat familiar with several of the proof methods, but the explanations were understandable even for those methods I had never encountered before.

He covers all the main proof methods and a couple others that are used only in specific circumstances. He includes an excellent summary of all the methods and where they are best used. Once you understand the various methods, that chart is a fantastic reference tool.

The examples used in the book cover a variety of mathematics courses: I saw proofs from elementary algebra, linear algebra, calculus, abstract algebra, etc. To be honest, I couldn't completely follow some of them without spending more time than I had to learn the necessary background, but I was still able to follow the explanations of how to use each proof method.

[Daniel Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice overview of various useful proof techniques and worked out examples in the back of the book. Read it in one sitting, and I would whip it out again as a reference material if I felt the need.

[Joaquín Chemile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro muy bueno para entender de que van la partes de las matemáticas que no es sólo hacer cuentas. Sirve mucho para acomodar las idea si uno tiene ganas de realizar los ejercicios. Especialmente con el objetivo de programar.

[Francesca Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

a PHENOMENAL introduction to proof-writing. read it you won’t regret it!!!!

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best introduction to proof writing out there.

[Tonatiuh Dávila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great book, easy to read / understand. The only problem that i had with it, is that if you've been trying to do proofs before reading it, the book is totally obsolete. Recommended for new Math students.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear and simple - thank God.

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but hard to follow just with a reading at times.

[Vahid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a MUST read for anybody who wants to practice Logic, Math or even programming ..

[Michael Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had this as an undergrad.

[Fatima]

CS103