For any real numbers a1, a2, a3, we must have that one of the numbers is less than or equal to the average (a1+a2+a3)/3.
Should I start by assuming the contra positive? Very confused.
Give a mathematical proof by contradiction
-
jameshl2008
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:24 pm
- Contact:
-
stapel_eliz
- Posts: 1628
- Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:22 pm
- Contact:
If your subject line ("Give a mathematical proof by contradiction") contains the instructions then, no, you should start by assuming the opposite of what is desired (and find an error in the results).For any real numbers a1, a2, a3, we must have that one of the numbers is less than or equal to the average (a1+a2+a3)/3.
Should I start by assuming the contra positive? Very confused.
The contrapositive is a true statement "If not-B, then not-A" resulting from "reversing" the true statement "If A, then B". A contradiction proof tends to start along the lines of "A and not-B" and following the logic until a contradiction pops out.
