I didn't get much time to look at all the examples of proofs, but so far it seems that the proof is right in front of you. To derive different equations and such out of the statement that seems obvious seems really complicated. It's almost like you have to think backwards (in most situations I've encountered). What I really found interesting is proof using the contrapositive. There was one example, a while back ago, that really helped me understand the concept of the contrapositive. But now I think I forgot most of what was even happening in class. A little review should help me get back on track and then a whole lot of practice with proofs should help me get through. Moreover, the format of a proof really bugs me. Sometimes I can figure out or get an idea of how to do the proof, but I can't execute due to the format. Again I know this will come easy with a lot of practice. It seems that all I need to do is to practice and review everything on proofs after this very relaxing "Reading week" :).
I see.. I guess for some people, reading week is not really "reading" week. ;)
ReplyDeleteHopefully the tutorial this coming Tuesday will help you clear things up about the proofs. We'll work on quite a few problems and I'll show you how to fit the "proof" within the proof structure.