Introduction

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Welcome

Math 239, Introduction to Mathematical Proof

I’m Doug Baldwin

Nicole Tomei will observe and maybe help in some classes

Key points from syllabus

• Homework
  • Roughly weekly problem sets of 4 - 5 problems
  • Most problems will ask you to write a proof
  • Grading will be face-to-face
• Exams
  • Hour exams will focus just on material since previous exam (or start of semester for first one)
  • Final will be cumulative but with emphasis on material since second hour exam
  • All exams will be open book, open notes, open computer (as a reference source but not for communicating with other people)
• It will be nice but not essential to bring the textbook to class
  • Easiest way to do that is probably as a PDF file on your computer
• Grading
  • Getting beyond the 80% mark for doing what I expect might involve, e.g., having a particularly elegant solution to a problem, writing a proof unusually clearly, etc.

Materials from this course are online via Canvas (canvas.geneseo.edu)

Real-World Conjectures

Any mathematical pattern or relationship you think you notice in your daily life and can try to prove or disprove

Worth extra credit

Example: Rubik’s Cube — short patterns of moves repeated enough times seem to eventually put cube back to original state. Does this always happen?

This is how math happens, i.e., theorems and proofs don’t spring fully formed into mathematicians’ minds, they arise though a process of noticing patterns or connections, proposing proofs and then refining them, etc.

Next

Mathematical statements

Read section 1.1

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