Methods of proof (direct, contrapositive, contradiction)
Mathematical logic · Mathematics
Study notes
Q: Prove: if n² is even, then n is even (n integer). Contrapositive: if n is odd, then n² is odd. n odd: n = 2k+1. n² = 4k²+4k+1 = 2(2k²+2k)+1 - odd! Contrapositive true, so original true. Direct proof is awkward here!