Math for CS: Proof Methods
In this unit, we go over some proof methods.
Two main ones are covered, followed by some tips about good proofs.
- Proof by cases
- Proof by contradiction
I’ll spare the details here, but you can find it on the course website if you want to know the specifics.
Why proofs are important:
It is a certainty that we’ll all one day be at the mercy of critical computer systems designed by you and your classmates. So we really hope that you’ll develop the ability to formulate rock-solid logical arguments that a system actually does what you think it does!
After reading all this about proofs so far, I realize that proofs are difficult. It’s an art. Like programming, it requires creative and rigorous thinking. Writing a program is one thing, but proving that it does what you think it does is another. But there are similarities between them. Both are like writing an essay.
Having the ability to prove your programs’ correctness can be useful in the real world.