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

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.


Great Introduction to proofs   September 21, 2001
5 out of 9 found this review helpful

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.


YOUR FIRST BOOK IN MATHEMATICS   June 4, 2001
GUSTAVO SANCHEZ (NUEVO LAREDO, TAMAULIPAS Mexico)
10 out of 22 found this review helpful

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.


Basic proof techniques   June 12, 2000
UNPINGCO (Los Angeles, CA)
20 out of 22 found this review helpful

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.


The Velleman is better and costs less too   December 10, 1999
23 out of 27 found this review helpful

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.