An Introduction to Proof through Real Analysis

An engaging and accessible introduction to mathematical proof incorporating ideas from real analysis

A mathematical proof is an inferential argument for a mathematical statement. Since the time of the ancient Greek mathematicians, the proof has been a cornerstone of the science of mathematics. The goal of this book is to help students learn to follow and understand the function and structure of mathematical proof and to produce proofs of their own.

An Introduction to Proof through Real Analysis is based on course material developed and refined over thirty years by Professor Daniel J. Madden and was designed to function as a complete text for both first proofs and first analysis courses. Written in an engaging and accessible narrative style, this book systematically covers the basic techniques of proof writing, beginning with real numbers and progressing to logic, set theory, topology, and continuity. The book proceeds from natural numbers to rational numbers in a familiar way, and justifies the need for a rigorous definition of real numbers. The mathematical climax of the story it tells is the Intermediate Value Theorem, which justifies the notion that the real numbers are sufficient for solving all geometric problems.

Concentrates solely on designing proofs by placing instruction on proof writing on top of discussions of specific mathematical subjects

Departs from traditional guides to proofs by incorporating elements of both real analysis and algebraic representation

Written in an engaging narrative style to tell the story of proof and its meaning, function, and construction

Uses a particular mathematical idea as the focus of each type of proof presented

Developed from material that has been class–tested and fine–tuned over thirty years in university introductory courses

An Introduction to Proof through Real Analysis is the ideal introductory text to proofs for second and third–year undergraduate mathematics students, especially those who have completed a calculus sequence, students learning real analysis for the first time, and those learning proofs for the first time.