Introduction to Proofs and Proof Strategies

by Shay Fuchs

Overview

Emphasizing the creative nature of mathematics, this conversational textbook guides students through the process of discovering a proof. The material revolves around possible strategies to approaching a problem without classifying 'types of proofs' or providing proof templates. Instead, it helps students develop the thinking skills needed to tackle mathematics when there is no clear algorithm or recipe to follow. Beginning by discussing familiar and fundamental topics from a more theoretical perspective, the book moves on to inequalities, induction, relations, cardinality, and elementary number theory. The final supplementary chapters allow students to apply these strategies to the topics they will learn in future courses. With its focus on 'doing mathematics' through 200 worked examples, over 370 problems, illustrations, discussions, and minimal prerequisites, this course will be indispensable to first- and second-year students in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Instructor resources include solutions to select problems.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009096287
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/22/2023
Series:	Cambridge Mathematical Textbooks
Pages:	349
Product dimensions:	7.01(w) x 9.96(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Shay Fuchs is Associate Professor (Teaching Stream) in the Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at the University of Toronto, Mississauga, Canada, and a Mathematical Association of America member. He has been a mathematics educator for more than twenty-five years. His course based on this text has been taken by more than 1500 students and used by dozens of his colleagues in the past three years.

Table of Contents

Contents; Preface; Part I. Core Material; 1. Numbers, Quadratics and Inequalities; 2. Sets, Functions and the Field Axioms; 3. Informal Logic and Proof Strategies; 4. Mathematical Induction; 5. Bijections and Cardinality; 6. Integers and Divisibility; 7. Relations; Part II. Additional Topics; 8. Elementary Combinatorics; 9. Preview of Real Analysis – Limits and Continuity; 10. Complex Numbers; 11. Preview of Linear Algebra; Notes; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘Every student in the sciences should be exposed to the basic language of modern mathematics, and standard courses such as calculus or linear algebra do not play this role. The ideal textbook for such a course should not attempt to be encyclopedic and should not assume special prerequisites. It should cover a carefully chosen selection of topics efficiently, engagingly, thoroughly, without being overbearing. Fuchs’ text fits this description admirably. The level is right, the math is rock solid, the writing is very pleasant. The book talks to the reader, without ever sounding patronizing. A vast selection of problems, many including solutions, will be splendidly helpful both in a classroom setting and for self-study.’ Paolo Aluffi, Florida State University

‘This well-written text strikes a good balance between conciseness and clarity. Students are led from looking more deeply into familiar topics, such as the quadratic formula, to an understanding of the nature, structure, and methods of proof. The examples and problems are a strong point. I look forward to teaching from it.’ Eric Gottlieb, Rhodes College

‘Fuchs' text is an excellent addition to the ‘transitions to proof’ literature. I will use it when I next teach such a course. Except for the excellent ‘Additional Topics’ sections, the content is standard, but the spiraling presentation and helpful narrative around proofs are what truly elevate this text. Fuchs has made every attempt to connect the structure and rigor of mathematics with the intuition of the student. For example, the notion of function arises in three different chapters, with two increasingly rigorous ‘provisional definitions,’ before a complete definition is given within a wider discussion of relations. I anticipate this approach resonating with students. Fuchs' Chapter 3, which introduces logic and proof strategies, is the most usable presentation of the material I have seen or used. The practice of mathematics and mathematical thinking is communicated well, while opportunities for confusion and obfuscation via a blizzard of symbols are minimized.’ Ryan Grady, Montana State University

‘This book is a must-have resource for an undergraduate mathematics student or interested reader to learn the fundamental topics in how to prove things. The text is thorough and of top quality, yet it is conversational and easy to absorb. Maybe the most important quality, it offers advice about how to approach problems, making it perfect for an introduction to proofs class.’ Andrew McEachern, York University, Canada

‘This is a great choice of textbook for any course introducing undergraduates to mathematical proofs. What makes this book stand out are the early chapters, as well as the ‘Additional Topics,’ both with accompanying exercises. The book begins by gently introducing proof-based thinking by posing well-motivated prompts and exercises concerning familiar arithmetic of real numbers and the integers. It then introduces fields as a playground to practice working with axioms and drawing (sometimes surprising) conclusions from them. The book proceeds with introducing formal logic, mathematical induction, set theory, and relations on sets. The book’s design nicely enables framing classes around a choice sampling among the abundant exercises. The book's ‘Additional Topics’ can serve to engage those students with a brimming imagination and who are already familiar with basic notions of proofs.’ David Ayala, Montana State University

‘Fuchs' Introduction to Proofs and Proof Strategies is an excellent textbook choice for an undergraduate proof-writing course. The author takes a friendly and conversational approach, giving many worked examples throughout each section. Furthermore, each section is replete with exercises for the reader, along with fully worked solutions at chapter’s end. This is exactly the ‘get your hands dirty’ approach students and readers will benefit greatly from!’ Frank Patane, Samford University

‘The book Introduction to Proofs and Proof Strategies by Shay Fuchs takes the problem-solving approach to the forefront by accompanying the reader in the construction and deconstruction of proofs through numerous examples and challenging exercises. The fundamental principles of mathematics are introduced in a creative and innovative way, making learning an enjoyable journey.’ Roberto Bruni, Università di Pisa

‘This textbook is easy to read and designed to enhance students’ problem-solving skills in their first year of university. The book really stands out due to the variety and quality of exercises at the end of each chapter. The latter chapters dive into more advanced topics for interested students.’ Marina Tvalavadze, University of Toronto Mississauga

‘Definitely highly recommended.’ John Baylis, The Mathematical Gazette

‘An excellent book.’ Rocco Gangle, Endicott College

From the Publisher