Question

True or False? An indirect proof assumes the opposite of what needs to be proved and then arrives at a contradiction.

Answer 1

Well, yes, that's true.

In an indirect proof, we first try to prove the opposite, and if we arrive at a contradiction, then what we were trying to prove in the first place must be true.

For example:

Prove that 6 is a factor of 36.

Indirect Proof:

Prove that 6 is not a factor of 36.

36 / 6 = 6

I have arrived at a contradiction, so that must mean that 6 is a factor of 36.

Answer 2

Thank you iGreen I owe you!

Answer 3

No problem!