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An analytic proof that a quadrilateral is a parallelogram 2020-10-26
From Apollo:
Prove analytically that if ABCD is a parallelogram in which points P and Q trisects the diagonal AC, then BPDQ is a parallelogram.
Answered by Penny Nom.
Proof that an erroneous algebraic statement is false 2015-12-14
From Berteanu:
I need help with this proposition:
"It exists x a real number that for every y real number 5*x-2*y*y=1
This is false.
Let x be from R.
And I need an y real number that 5*x-2*y*y!=1
Please,could you help me?

Answered by Penny Nom.
Prove that you cannot factor x squared + 5 2015-05-28
From lily:
the question is: prove that you cannot factor x squared + 5
Answered by Robert Dawson.
We can't write sinx and cosx as a finite polynomial. 2013-03-31
From rimoshika:
prove that we can't write sinx and cosx as a finite polynomial.
Answered by Walter Whiteley.
If n is odd, then n^2 - 3 is even 2012-12-11
From Tracy:
Prove the statement:

For all integers n, if n is odd, then n2 - 3 is even.

Answered by Penny Nom.
1 + 3 + 3^2 ...+3^(n-1) = 3^n - 1/2 2012-01-27
From Vicki:
I am trying to find out how to do show how this proof was worked.
Here is the end result 1 + 3 + 3^2 ...+3^(n-1) = 3^n - 1/2

This equation was used to find the number of white triangles in the Sierpinski Triangle

Answered by Walter Whiteley.
Prove sin x = sin (pi - x) 2011-02-15
From Janet:
Prove sin x = sin (pi - x)
Answered by Penny Nom.
If ac = bc ... 2011-01-04
From jamielle:
if ac=bc, then a is not equal to b, c is not equal to zero
Answered by Penny Nom.
Prove A intersect B =X iff A = X and B = X 2010-03-06
From Gloria:
how would you prove A intersect B =X iff A = X and B = X
Answered by Tyler Wood.
A proof by induction 2010-01-12
From Bhavya:
Prove by induction that if Xi >= 0 for all i, then

(Summation Xi from 1 to n)^2 >= Summation Xi^2 from 1 to n

Answered by Penny Nom.
A proof involving real numbers 2010-01-11
From Amper:
Let a,b is an element of real numbers, and suppose that for every x>0 we have a is lesser than or equal to b+x.
(a) Show that a is lesser than or equal to b.
(b) Show that it does not follow that a is lesser than b.
i'm feeling bad of having no idea with this, hope i you can help me. GRACIAS!!

Answered by Penny Nom.
Proof that the root of 27 is irrational 2009-10-18
From Scarlet:
How do you prove that the square root of 27 is irrational?
Answered by Victoria West.
Prove by induction 2009-10-02
From Anonymous:
How can you prove the following by induction:

Any fraction (A / B), where 0 < (A / B) < 1, can be expressed as a finite sum
(1 / c(1)) + (1 / c(2)) + (1 / c(3)) + ... + (1 / c(k)),
where c(1), c(2), ..., c(k) are natural numbers greater than 0.

[ex. (20 / 99) = (1 / 9) + (1 / 11)]

Answered by Claude Tardif.
Highest Common Factor of Two Polynomials 2009-07-28
From Nazrul:
If x+a be the h.c.f. of x^2+px+q and x^2+mx+n, how can I prove that (p-m)a=q-n.
Answered by Robert J. Dawson & Janice Cotcher.
Inequalities Proof 2009-07-24
From ABOU:
good morning.......a b c are real positive no zero......proof that sq root(2a/(a+b))+sq root(2b/(b+c))+sq root(2c/(c+a))inferior or equal 3 thank you
Answered by Janice Cotcher.
Properties of Natural Numbers 2009-07-24
From nazrul:
If m,n,k are natural number how can I prove that (m+n)k=mk+nk. In the proof the properties of natural number should be used.
Answered by Janice Cotcher.
Proof of a Unique Solution 2009-07-24
From muele:
Find matrix A such that A is not invertible, and b such that Ax=b has a unique solution
Answered by Robert J. Dawson.
Prove that the set of all positive odd integers is an infinite set 2009-06-20
From Nazrul:
How can I prove that the set of all positive odd integers is an infinite set.
Thank you in advance.

Answered by Victoria West.
The product of gradients between 2 perpendiculars lines 2009-06-11
From Alister:
how do i prove that the product of gradients between 2 perpendiculars lines equal to -1....
Answered by Penny Nom.
The sides of a parallelogram 2009-03-17
From Sami:
If ABCD is a parallelogram, prove that line AB is congruent to line CD. Clearly state your reasons and conjectures.
Answered by Penny Nom.
The midpoints of two sides of a triangle 2009-03-17
From Manis:
Prove that the line joining the midpoint of two sides of a triangle is parallel to the third and half of it.
Answered by Robert Dawson.
Mathematical induction 2008-09-05
From James:
I need to prove a problem by induction regarding the Triangle Inequality. The problem is

abs(a1 + a2 +...+an) <= abs(a1) + abs(a2) +...+ abs(an).

Answered by Victoria West.
Proofs 2008-07-26
From Taylor:
when doing a proof, how do i figure out the steps in which i find the statements? i find the reasons pretty easily but i do not understand how to get the proving part. that would be great if you can help me! Thanks
Answered by Victoria West.
Four Positive Integers 2008-07-20
From william:
let a, b, c and n be positive integers. If a+b+c=(19)(97) and a+n=b-n=c/n, compute the value of a.
Answered by Janice Cotcher.
A proof in geometry 2008-02-27
From Kimberly:
I'm trying to write a proof for the following: If all altitudes are equal in an equilateral triangle then all sides are equal.
Answered by Stephen La Rocque and Penny Nom.
A parallelogram and a rhombus 2008-01-22
From miguel:
i have a problem proving a parallelogram a rhombus.. if a diagonal of a parallelogram bisects an angle of the parallelogram , then its a rhombus prove
Answered by Stephen La Rocque and Walter Whiteley.
A geometric proof 2007-11-16
From Julie:
Prove that tangents to a circle at the endpoints of a diameter are parallel. State what is given, what is to be proved, and your plan of proof. Then write a two-column proof.
Answered by Walter Whiteley.
Prove that any two consecutive integers are relativley prime. 2007-09-18
From Michael:
Im not very good at proofs and I was wandering if you would be able to help me with the following question: Prove that any two consecutive integers is relativley prime. Thanks a million.
Answered by Penny Nom.
Two-column proof for a circle geometry problem 2007-08-24
From Kendra:
i have to prove that tangents to a circle at the endpoints of a diatmeter are parallel by stating whats given, whats to prove and a plane, then write a two column proof i dont understand this
Answered by Stephen La Rocque.
Induction - divisibility 2007-08-04
From Jerry:
How would you prove that for any positive integer n, the value of the expression 3^(2n+2) - 8n -9 is divisible by 64.
Answered by Chris Fisher and Penny Nom.
Proving a quadrilateral is a rectangle 2007-07-14
From Sonja:
I was having this discussion with another teacher and we need a third opinion. When you are trying to prove a quadrilateral is a rectangle which method should you use:
  1. Prove the shape is a parallelogram by doing slope 4 times by stating that parallel lines have equal slopes. Then proving a right angle by stating that perpendicular lines have negative reciprocal slopes.
  2. Doing the slope 4 times and stating that the shape is a rectangle because opposite sides are parallel because of equal slopes and it contains a right angle because of negative reciprocal slopes.
I guess the real question is do you have to first state that the shape is a parallelogram?

Answered by Stephen La Rocque.
Grams of vodka 2007-07-10
From Andrew:
milliliters to grams..vodka 80 proof?
Answered by Stephen La Rocque.
Proof that any side of a triangle is less than half the perimeter. 2007-07-07
From Omkar:
Any side of a triangle is smaller than half of its perimeter, prove this in short ?
Answered by Stephen La Rocque.
Area of an isosceles triangle 2007-06-01
From Josh:
In a previous question answered by Sue regarding the area of a regular polygon you gave a formula for the area of an isosceles. My question is how did you get this formula? Can you please explain to mean the process that you used to get that formula? Thanks
Answered by Stephen La Rocque.
Are proofs important in geometry? 2007-05-07
From BJ:
Are proofs very important to know how to do?
My daughter has been in Geometry & the teacher skipped proofs.

Answered by Penny Nom.
An even positive integer cubed minus four times the number 2007-02-07
From Rachael:
I can't figure out the proof or the method to get the proof for this question: any even positive integer cubed minus four times the number is divisible by 48
Answered by Haley Ess and Penny Nom.
cos(n)pi = (-1)^n 2006-12-14
From Idrees:
How can I prove the following: cos(n)pi = (-1)^n
Answered by Steve La Rocque.
A proof by induction 2006-10-02
From Zamira:
i'm studying induction but i don't get how to proof that 1+2+2^2+2^3+...+2^(n-1) = (2^n) - 1.
Answered by Penny Nom.
Prove that 2nCn is less than 4n, for all positive integers n? 2006-10-01
From Anna:
How can I prove that 2nCn is less than 4n, for all positive integers n?
Answered by Penny Nom.
Proof by induction 2006-04-24
From Meshaal:
Find an expression for: 1-3+5 - 7 + 9 - 11 + ... + (-1)^(n-1) * (2n-1) and prove that it is correct.
Answered by Stephen La Rocque.
Geometry proof 2006-04-23
From Jade:
From a point P outside a circle with centre O, tangents are drawn to meet the circle at A and B. a) Prove that PO is the right bisector of the chord AB. b) Prove that
Answered by Stephen La Rocque.
Proving a summation formula by induction 2006-04-19
From Sharon:
Prove by induction that the sum of all values 2^i from i=1 to n equals 2^(n+1) - 2 for n > 1.
Answered by Stephen La Rocque.
A proof by induction 2006-04-09
From Sharon:
prove by induction: For every n>1, show that
2 + 7 + 12 + ...+ (5n-3) = n(5n-1)/2

Answered by Penny Nom.
given that p is a prime and p|a^n, prove that p^n|a^n 2006-03-24
From Janna:
given that p is a prime and p|an, prove that pn|an
Answered by Stephen La Rocque.
A proof by contraposition 2006-03-16
From Eban:

1)by mathematical induction prove that 12 + 32 + 52 + ...... + (2k-1)2 = (1/3)k(2k-1)(2k+1) for all positive integers k.

2)show that the contrapositive of the following statement is true. if 1 + M7 is even, then M is odd.


Answered by Stephen La Rocque.
Proof by induction 2006-02-10
From Victoria:

how do i prove by induction on n that
n
Σ 1/i(i+1) = n/(n+1)
i=1

for all positive integers n


Answered by Penny Nom.
Prove that p^n >= (p!)/(p-n)! 2006-02-02
From Rhydian:

PROVE:

pn >= (p!)/(p-n)!


Answered by Penny Nom.
The sum of the angels in a triangle 2005-11-25
From Rachel:
how do you prove, without knowing any of the measurements or degrees, that the three angles of a triangle equal 180? what are the steps for proving that?
Answered by Penny Nom.
An isosceles triangle 2005-11-14
From Chris:
PX and QY are attitudes of acute triangle PQR, and Z is the midpoint of PQ. Can you write a proof that triangle XYZ is isosceles?
Answered by Chri Fisher.
Prove that a rhombus' diagonals are perpendicular 2005-10-02
From Tania:
How do you prove that a rhombus' diagonals are perpendicular using the 2 column proof method?
Answered by Walter Whiteley.
Proof by induction? 2005-08-10
From Peter:

I am a lecturer and am having a problem with the following Proof by
Induction.

If

(N x N x N x N) + (4 x N x N x N) + (3 x N x N) + (N) = -4000

Prove that N is even!


Answered by Chris Fisher and Penny Nom.
A flaw in a problem 2005-04-15
From Bryce:

Question:

(x2-x2) = (x2-x2)
x(x-x) = (x+x)(x-x) [divide both sides by (x-x)]
x = x + x
x = 2x [divide both sides by x]
2 = x/x = 1

Where is the flaw in this problem?


Answered by Paul Betts.
An isosceles triangle 2005-01-03
From Abraham:
The question is,"Triangle ABC is not isosceles.Prove that if altitude BD were drawn, it would not bisect AC."My question is If an altitude is drawn wouldn\'t that mean automatically its isosceles because, In a triangle the sides opposite congruent angles(in this case the right angles)are congruent? What am I thinking wrong?
Answered by Harley Weston.
A geometric proof 2004-12-11
From Hanna:
Given: ABCD is a quadrilateral;
Prove: ABCD is a parallelogram

Answered by Penny Nom.
Proof by induction 2004-11-20
From Vic:
Problem: Find the first 4 terms and the nth term of the infinite sequence defined recursively as follows:

a(1) = 3 and a(k+1) = 2a(k) for k -> 1.

Note: Quantities in brackets are subscripts
-> means 'equal to or greater than'.

Using the recursive formula, the first 4 terms are; a(1) = 3, a(2) = 6, a(3) = 12, a(4) = 24

The nth term a(n) = 2n-1 x 3 (equation 1)

Equation 1 must be proven using mathematical induction. This is where I am having a problem.

Answered by Penny Nom.
A theorem involving a trapezoid 2004-09-29
From Abraham:
Given:Trapezoid ROSE with diagonals RS and EO intersecting at point M
Prove:Diagonals RS and EO do not bisect each other.

Answered by Harley Weston.
A proof in geometry 2004-07-16
From An:
Im taking a geometry course for the summer , and we just started to learn about proofs for about one week. Today in class, we started to do this one proof but didnt finish it because class ended. the problem is as follows.
Answered by Penny Nom.
n! > n^2 2004-03-30
From Jose:
How can you prove by mathematical induction that:

n! > n2.

Answered by Penny Nom.
Proof by induction 2004-03-02
From Chris:
I need some help of how to solve the problem

"use the principle of mathematical induction to prove that the following are true for all positive integers"

cos(n x pi + X) = (-1)^n cosX

any help would be appreciated

Answered by Penny Nom.
Three proffs of a trig identity 2003-03-18
From Nadene:
Prove the identity. cos [x + (y-pi/2)] = sin (x+y)

A hint was also provided which is: "Apply cos (alpha + beta) first then within that apply cose (alpha-beta)"

Answered by Penny Nom.
Proof by induction 2002-09-26
From Pooh:
Use induction to show that

1 2 + 2 2 + .....+n 2 = (n 3)/3 + (n 2)/2 + n/6

Answered by Paul Betts.
Proof by induction 2002-08-31
From Tabius:
Use mathematical induction to prove that the following formulae are true for all positive integers:

a) 1 + 3 + 5+...+(2n - 1) = n 2

b) 2 n > n.


Answered by Penny Nom.
Proof by induction 2002-02-20
From Tamaswati:
How do I prove the assertion that "the determinant of an upper triangular matrix is the product of the diagonal entries" by mathematical induction? (Before I check this assertion for a few values of n how do I rephrase the assertion slightly so that n appears explicitly in the assertion?)
Answered by Penny Nom.
Proof by induction 2001-10-16
From John:
Can you help me with any of these?
  1. For any natural number n > 1, prove that

    (4n) / (n + 1) < [(2n)!] / [(n!)2].

  2. For any natural number n > 1, prove that

    1/sqrt(1) + 1/sqrt(2) + 1/sqrt(3) + ... + 1/sqrt(n) > sqrt(n).

  3. For any natural number n and any x > 0, prove that

    xn + xn - 2 + xn - 4 + ... + x-n >= n + 1.

Answered by Penny Nom.
Proof by induction 2001-09-30
From Kyle:
I'm trying to learn induction and I need to see how this done please help with this problem...

20 + 21 + 22 +... + 2n = 2n+1 -1 is true whenever n is a positive integer.


Answered by Penny Nom.
e^pi > pi^e 2001-07-27
From Dusty:
What book(s) contain a proof that ePi > Pie? I think it might be in Problems in Analysis published by Springer-Verlag but I have not been able to check.
Answered by Chris Fisher.
Harmonic numbers 2001-05-23
From Leslie:
The harmonic numbers Hk, k = 1,2,3.....are defined by Hk = 1 + 1/2 + 1/3....1/k

I am trying to prove by mathematical induction:

H2n >= 1 + n/2 , whenever n is a nonnegative integer.

H8 = H23 >= 1 + 3/2

Can you help?


Answered by Harley Weston.
A sequence of even terms 2001-04-29
From A student:
A sequence c is defined recursively as follows:

c0 = 2
c1 = 4
c2 = 6

ck= 5ck-3 for all integers

Prove that cn is even for all integers.


Answered by Leeanne Boehm and Penny Nom.
A geometry proof 2001-04-18
From Melissa:
Extend the bisectors of angle A, angle B, and angle C of triangle ABC to meet the circumcircle at points X, Y, and Z respectively. Show that I is the orthocenter of triangle XYZ.
Answered by Chris Fisher.
How can you prove a quadrilateral to be a parallelogram? 2001-03-16
From Joy:
How can you prove a quadrilateral to be a parallelogram?
Answered by Walter Whiteley.
1 + 1 = 1 2001-01-23
From Stephanie:
My friend has this as a bonus question the other day and I want to figure it out. I don't know how 1+1 in any form could equal 1. Please let me know how you come about geting that.
Answered by Claude Tardif.
A proof that 1=2 2000-09-19
From sporky:
Why does the proof for 1=2 not work?

x = 1
x2 = 1
x = x2
1 = 2x (derivitive)
1 = 2(1)
1 = 2 ???

please tell me where the false logic is.


Answered by Walter Whiteley.
Induction 2000-09-07
From Joe Peterson:
How do I prove by the principal of mathematical induction?
1.n+2.(n-1)+3.(n-2)+.....+(n-2).3+(n-1).2+n.1=(n(n+1)(n+2))/6

Answered by Paul Betts.
Parallel tangents 2000-06-30
From Ebony Indalecio:
I need to prove the theroem: Tangents to a circle at the end points of a diameter are parallel.
Answered by Walter Whiteley.
The square root of 3 2000-04-04
From Mr. William:
Prove that root 3 is irrational
Answered by Harley Weston.
Induction 2000-03-16
From William Tsang:
I am trying to prove a induction question

Sigam r=1 n (2r -1)cube = n square (2 n square - 1)


Answered by Harley Weston.
The quotient rule 2000-02-21
From Charlene Anderson:
Question: I came across a question in our book that states: Let Q(x) = N(x) / D(x) Then re-write Q(x) in a form that can utilize the Power and Product Rules. Use this rearranged form to derive the Quotient Rule.

The Quotient Rule can be derived from the Power Rule and the Product Rule.

One must also use the chain rule too, right?


Answered by Harley Weston.
2 = 1 2000-02-16
From Chuck Kennedy:
Question:
  1. Assume a=b
  2. Multiply both sides by a, a2=ab
  3. Subtract b2, a2-b2=ab-b2
  4. Factor (a-b)(a+b)=b(a-b)
  5. Cancel like factors a+b=b
  6. Substitue b for a b+b=b
  7. Then 2b=b
  8. Therefore 2=1
Question; Were is the mistake?

Answered by Claude Tardif.
Two algebra problems 1999-12-17
From Michael Standfest:
If x+4 is a factor of 2x4+kx3-3kx2+6x-40, find k

and

Prove that n2-n is even for all n, using the proof of contradiction
Answered by Penny Nom.

An Invalid Argument 1999-05-31
From Rod Redding:
Can an invalid argument have a true conclusion? If yes then why?
Answered by Walter Whiteley.
A 1999-05-02
From Leah:
a=b
a^2=ab
a^2+b^2=ab-b^2
(a-b)(a+b)=b(a-b)
a+b=b
b
2=1

why is this proof wrong?
Answered by Penny Nom.

Root 17 is Irrational 1999-01-21
From John Murdock:
If you could help me out with this I would appreciate it. Prove that the square root of 17 is irrational.
Answered by Harley Weston.
Proofs 1997-04-13
From Daniel:
I'm having trouble understanding proofs. I don't know how to come up the answers on my own. I search through the book looking for the answer. I understand what they are doing, but I don't know how to do it.
Answered by Walter Whiteley.
A Presidential Proof 1997-03-18
From Greg Smith:
Which US president developed a proof for the Pythagorean Theorem?

Where can a copy of the proof be located?
Answered by Chris Fisher and Harley Weston.

A/B = C/D 2002-03-06
From Un eleve:
Démontrer que si A sur B et = à C sur D, alors AxD et = à BxC.
Answered by Claude tardin.
 
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