Customer Reviews

How to Read and Do Proofs: An Introduction to Mathematical Thought Processes

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is the "magic decoder ring" for terse proofs. This book should be passed out to every undergraduate taking the first mathematical analysis course. Numerous examples and exercises are included. The typesetting and notation are very readable. The great strength of this book is that the proofs used for exercises are restricted to the level of algebra and set theory. This makes it easy to concentrate on the technique of proof rather than the specific results. Also check out Polya's book "How to Prove It" and Velleman's book of the same name.

One can learn to do proofs with this book but the examples and exercises seem to be geared for the average eighth grader. The reader would be better served with How to Prove It : A Structured Approach by Daniel J. Velleman, who's exercises are more similar to what one has to tackle in a normal college proof course. The only draw back of the Velleman is there are no solutions for the exercises.

Contrary to the review by the person from Louisiana I feel the second edition is better than the first. The typesetting is greatly improved, and there are a few new tools for your toolbag in the second edition.

As to the criticism that the second edition only has solutions for the odd numbered problems, the reviewer failed to mention that there are twice as many problems in the new edition and that all the problems from the first edition were carried into the second (along with their solutions). I found it more satisfying working through the second edition knowing that the problems were correctly solved - not because the answer matches the back of the book - but because the arguments are compelling and demonstrably correct.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who feels mystified at the process of writing proofs.

When I order this book it was not at all clear if I would like it, because of it low grades contain and examples. I was very surprised when I received it, because the book is written very clearly. The author make a great job when he explains the technics of proof. The exercises and the examples are definitely too easy for an undergraduate or graduate but you must take a look at it just for the explanation that the author gives for the technics of proof. The examples and exercises are mostly for high school students. The price of the book make it very affordable. It worth the price. I would recommend this book to anyone who want to introduce himself into the basic of proofs.

I have an older edition of this book. It is well-written and has a good selection of homework problems, but it lacks clarity and does not emphasize practice. Most proof books are good for learning the basics of proofs but aren't sufficient to do proofs in a specific area of math. My website focuses on how to practice doing proofs, fsc729.ifreepages.com.

John G.

YOU REALLY NEED THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE TRYING TO STUDY ABSTRACT MATHEMATICS BY YOURSELF OR WITH A TEACHER. LIKE ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING THAT LIKE TO DO MATHEMATICS THIS BOOK REALLY HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO READ PROOFS AND MADE MY OWNS.

while the author's approach to proofs is refreshingly logical, he takes away from the wholeness of his work by including ONLY odd-numbered answers. his first edition had all of the answers to all of the questions. most students of mathematics are self-taught and highly motivated. with the exclusion of even- numbered answers, the author has saved a few pages and a bit of work.

i feel fortunate to have a copy of the first addition which i purchased at a used book store for a buck. you can't beat that! :-)