I need help, I have a Geometry Exam on Monday. And I don't understand proofs one bit. If someone could help me with some proofs that would be awesome!!
You have to post specific questions to get specific help. My experience is that on proofs studying with a competent friend is helpful
I'd be happy to help you with geometry proofs! To start, it's important to understand that proofs require logical reasoning to support statements and conclusions. Here's a step-by-step approach to approaching proofs:
1. Identify the given information: Carefully read and understand the given statements or information provided in the problem. These are the facts or conditions that you'll need to work with.
2. Determine what needs to be proven: Look for the statement or conclusion that you need to prove. This is usually mentioned explicitly in the problem.
3. Review relevant definitions, postulates, and theorems: Make sure you are familiar with the definitions, postulates, and theorems related to the specific type of proof you are working on. These will serve as the building blocks for your logical reasoning.
4. Plan your approach: Think about the order of steps or statements you need to make to reach the desired conclusion. Visualize the proof in your mind or jot down a rough outline before you start writing it formally.
5. Begin the proof: Start by making a clear and concise statement that supports your conclusion. This can be based on the given information, definitions, or theorems you have at your disposal.
6. Use logical reasoning: Each step in the proof needs to be logically justified. You can rely on properties of geometric figures, postulates, or theorems to build a chain of logical reasoning. Justify each statement you make by referencing the appropriate source.
7. Show all necessary steps: Write out every step clearly, indicating the specific reason or source of each statement. This makes it easier for the reader (in this case, your teacher) to follow your logic.
8. Reach the conclusion: Your final statement should directly lead to the conclusion you need to prove. Ensure that it is logically connected to the previous statements and aligns with the given information.
9. Review and revise: Once you have completed the proof, go through it again to check for errors, clarity, and coherence. Make sure all statements are properly supported and logically sound.
Remember, practicing proofs is an essential part of improving your skills. I suggest working through example problems in your textbook or finding additional practice problems online. Discussions with a competent friend, as you mentioned, can also be helpful as you can learn from each other's approaches.
If you have a specific proof question or concept you would like help with, feel free to ask!