Proof techniques #2: Proof by Oddity.
SAMPLE: To prove that horses have an infinite number of legs.
[1] Horses have an even number of legs.
[2] They have two legs in back and fore legs in front.
[3] This makes a total of six legs,
which certainly is an odd number of legs for a horse.
[4] But the only number that is both odd and even is infinity.
[5] Therefore, horses must have an infinite number of legs.
Topics is be covered in future issues include proof by:
intimidation,
gesticulation (handwaving),
"try it; it works",
constipation (I was just sitting there and...),
blatant assertion,
changing all the 2's to n's,
mutual consent,
lack of a counterexample, and,
"it stands to reason".
SAMPLE: To prove that horses have an infinite number of legs.
[1] Horses have an even number of legs.
[2] They have two legs in back and fore legs in front.
[3] This makes a total of six legs,
which certainly is an odd number of legs for a horse.
[4] But the only number that is both odd and even is infinity.
[5] Therefore, horses must have an infinite number of legs.
Topics is be covered in future issues include proof by:
intimidation,
gesticulation (handwaving),
"try it; it works",
constipation (I was just sitting there and...),
blatant assertion,
changing all the 2's to n's,
mutual consent,
lack of a counterexample, and,
"it stands to reason".
Related:
- Proof techniques #2: Proof by Oddity.
SAMPLE: To prove that horses have an infinite number of legs.
(1) Horses have an even number of legs. (2) They have... - Proof techniques #2: Proof by Oddity.
SAMPLE: To prove that horses have an infinite number of legs.
[1] Horses have an even number of legs. [2] They have... - Every Horse has an Infinite Number of Legs (proof by intimidation):
Horses have an even number of legs. Behind they have... - Lemma: All horses are the same color.
Proof (by induction):
Case n = 1: In a set with only one horse, it is obvious... - Theorem: Every horse has an infinite number of legs
Horses have an even number of legs.
Behind they have two legs, and in front they have... - 1] Alexander the Great was a great general.
[2] Great generals are forewarned.
[3] Forewarned is forearmed. [4] Four is an even number... - 1) Alexander the Great was a great general.
(2) Great generals are forewarned.
(3) Forewarned is forearmed. (4) Four is an even number...
From the same category:
- I am rich beyond the dreams of avarice.
-- Edward Moore (1712-1757)
-
The Gamester, Act ii, Sc.... - Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path
and leave a trail.
Muriel... - You will be required to do wrong no matter where you go.
It is the basic condition of life, to be required to... - When I was your age,
we had to walk 10 miles to a..... - Three Scottish sizes: Wee,
Not-So-Wee and Friggin' Huge...
