Mathematical Communication is a developing collection of resources for engaging students in writing and speaking about mathematics, whether for the purpose of learning mathematics or of learning to communicate as mathematicians.

Two proof variants

Two proofs of the fact that 1+2+ … + n = n(n+1)/2. One proof uses induction; the other organizes the terms of twice the sum so each of n pairs sums to n+1. These proofs are used to start a class discussion about elegance.

Files in this media folder:

Twoproofs-rev1

PDF

Twoproofs-rev1.tex

TEX

Please Click "Preview" to view individual files.

License: CC BY Page content licensed by M.I.T. Department of Mathematics under the license:
CC BY (Attribution)

Accessibility