Product Description

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

• Shows how any proof can be understood as a sequence of techniques.
• Covers the full range of techniques used in proofs, such as the contrapositive, induction, and proof by contradiction.
• Explains how to identify which techniques are used and how they are applied in the specific problem.
• Illustrates how to read written proofs with many step-by-step examples.
• Includes new, expanded appendices related to discrete mathematics, linear algebra, modern algebra and real analysis.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #55506 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Review
"I think that Solow has written an excellent text that I will highly recommend as a supplementary text for several upper division mathematics courses including abstract algebra and mathematical analysis." (Phillip Bean, Mercer University)

"His already fine book becomes more usable by having the four subject-targeted appendices." (Richard Delaware, UMKC)

"The book covers all the basic proof techniques in a very readable, concise way without overwhelming the student. The organization is great. I like the short chapters highlighting only one concept at a time." (Josephine Hamer, Western Connecticut State University)

"Very clear, rigorous, extremely thorough, almost unique in what it tries to do, reaches out to weaker students." (Michael Thaddeus, Columbia University)

From the Back Cover
Learn how to read, understand, and do proofs!

Daniel Solow’s new Fourth Edition of HOW TO READ AND DO PROOFS will help you master the basic techniques that are used in all proofs, regardless of the mathematical subject matter in which the proof arises. Once you have a firm grasp of the techniques, you’ll be better equipped to read, understand and actually do proofs. You’ll learn when each technique is likely to be successful, based on the form of the theorem.

This Fourth Edition features quick reference summaries of the proof techniques on the front and back covers, a new forward uniqueness method, a new section on counterexamples, and four new appendices in discrete mathematics, linear algebra, modern algebra, and real analysis that illustrate how the various proof techniques from the body of the text arise in doing actual mathematics.

Critical acclaim

“I think that Solow has written an excellent text that I will highly recommend as a supplementary text for several upper division mathematics courses including abstract algebra and mathematical analysis.”––Phillip Bean, Mercer University

“His already fine book becomes more usable by having the four subject-targeted appendices.”––Richard Delaware, UMKC

“The book covers all the basic proof techniques in a very readable, concise way without overwhelming the student. The organization is great. I like the short chapters highlighting only one concept at a time.”––Josephine Hamer, Western Connecticut State University

“Very clear, rigorous, extremely thorough, almost unique in what it tries to do, reaches out to weaker students.”––Michael Thaddeus, Columbia University

Customer Reviews

Eh
This book is pretty useless to me. I only bought it because my professor recommended it and because my company covers all my school expenses. I have opened the book exactly one time and it was not much help. But I suppose, as far as books on 'How to read/do proofs' go, this one is probably good. I just don't see a need for this subject in general.

It should be noted that I am an engineer and have no use for this subject all together. I am just taking it to satisfy my course requirements.

How to think mathematically
This book does a great job of guiding you through the process of developing mathematical reasoning. I used it alongside my transition to higher math course this year and would not have done as well in the course without it.

A MUST HAVE!!!!!
I wish this book was out when I was an undergrad! It is clear and concise. It covers many of the basic areas of math and gives a tremendous amount of insight on which style of proof fits a particular situation. Every example is presented in a very clear way, which gave me confidence in my ability to write proofs. This book should be used by ALL professors who teach an introductory analysis course.