5/1 Intermediate Math
Class 1, Introduction
Problem 1.
1a. Prove why adding an even number with an even number
sums to an even number
1b. Prove why adding an odd number with an even number
sums to an odd number
1c. Prove why multiplying an odd number with an odd number
results in an odd number
Math Proof
A math proof is a list of logical reasoning steps that show that
the conclusion is guaranteed from the stated assumptions.
Assumption: a < b
Prove: a < (a + b)/2 < b
Math Proof
A math proof is a list of logical reasoning steps that show that
the conclusion is guaranteed from the stated assumptions.
Example:
Question: Prove that in a list of N numbers, at least one
number will be greater than or equal to the average
Some Assumptions: 1. List of N numbers
2. The average is the sum of all numbers divided by N.
Math Proof
Proof 1:
Let the list of numbers be L1 = {a1, a2, a3, … aN}
There must exist from maximum number in the list ax, where x is one of the
numbers from 1 to N.
If we take out the maximum number from the list, we get a new list L2. The
average of L2 cannot increase, so the new average must be less than or equal to
the old average.
avg_L2 <= avg_L1
avg_L2 + d = avg_L1, where d >= 0
ax = avg_L1*N - avgL2*(N-1) = avg_L1*N - (avg_L1 - d) * (N - 1)
= avg_L1 + dN - d => if d >= 0, and we know N >= 1, then ax >= avg_L1
Math Proof
Proof 2:
Let the list of numbers be L = {a1, a2, a3, … aN}
Proof by contradiction.
Assume every number {a1, a2, a3, … aN} is less than the average avg_L.
Then, a1 = avg_L - d1, a2 = avg_L - d2 … etc. for some dx > 0
thus, the sum s = a1 + a2 + a3 + … + aN = N * avg_L - (d1 + d2 + d3 ….. + dN)
Then the sum s < avg_L * N, which contradicts the definition of what average is.
General techniques of Math Problem Solving
1. Information Extraction
2. Deduction
3. Induction
4. Abstraction
5. Perspective Change
HW 0
0. Let the list of numbers be L1 = {a_1, a_2, a_3, … a_N}, and let V = the average
of L1.
Some numbers are less than the average. Let these indexes be B, so B = {b_1, b_2,
b_3 … b_M}, where a_b_i < V
Some numbers are greater than average. Let these indexes be C, so B = {c_1, c_2,
c_3 … c_P}, where a_c_i > V
Prove that the sum of the differences between the greater than average numbers
and the average is equal to the sum of the differences between the less than
average numbers and the average.
Prove
(a_c_1 - v) + (a_c_2 - v) + … (a_c_P - v) = (v - a_b_1) + (v - a_b_2) … + (v-a_b_M)
HW 1
1. A circle is 360 degrees, and a line is 180 degrees. Prove that
a triangle's angles sum to 180 degrees.
a
b c
a + b + c = 180
HW 2
2. A triangle has side lengths A, B, and C.
A B
What can you say about the relation between A, B, and C?
HW 3
3a. What is the sum of 1+2+3+....+49+50?
3b. What is the sum of 1+2+3….+ n-1 + n? (This is just the above
sequence but with a variable last number represented by n).
3c. What is the sum of
(a + 0*k) + (a + 1*k) + (a + 2*k) …. + (a + (n-1)*k)
(This is also an arithmetic sequence, but the distance between
every number is k, and there are n numbers).
HW 4
4. If two angles in a triangle are the same, prove why the two
sides opposite of the angles are also the same
a
C B
b c
A
Assumption: b = c
Prove: B = C
HW 5
5. If all sides of a triangle are the same, prove why all angles
must be 60 degrees?
a
C B
b c
A
Assumption: A = B = C
Prove: a = b = c = 60 degrees
HW 6
6. (Very hard, not necessary to complete)
In an N sided convex polygon, prove the formula to calculate
the number of degrees. For example, a 3 sided shape has 180
degrees, and a 4 sided shape has 360 degrees.
A convex polygon means that no angle is greater than 180
degrees. Think about why this matters.