The Nuts and Bolts of Proofs: An Introduction to Mathematical Proofs

The Nuts and Bolts of Proofs: An Introduction to Mathematical Proofs, Fifth Edition provides basic logic of mathematical proofs and how they work. The book offers techniques for both reading and writing proofs, discusses techniques in proving if/then statements by contrapositive and proofing by contradiction, includes the negation statement, and/or, examines various theorems, such as the if and only-if, equivalence theorems, existence theorems, and the uniqueness theorems. In addition, the use of counter examples, mathematical induction, composite statements including multiple hypothesis and multiple conclusions, and equality of numbers are also covered. The book also provides mathematical topics for practicing proof techniques.

Included here are the Cartesian products, indexed families, functions, and relations. The last chapter of the book provides review exercises on various topics. Undergraduate students in engineering and physical science will find this book accessible as well as invaluable.

• Jumps right in with the needed vocabulary to get students thinking like mathematicians from the beginning
• Offers a large variety of examples and problems with solutions for students to work through on their own
• Includes a collection of exercises without solutions to help instructors prepare assignments
• Contains an extensive list of basic mathematical definitions and concepts needed in abstract mathematics