Math TOK 1: Proofs

Match the following:

• Definition

• A true statment that is a simple deduction from a theorem or proposition.

• Corollary

• A less important but nonetheless interesting true statement.

• Theorem

• A statement that has been proven to be true.

• Lemma

• An explanation of the mathematical meaning of a word

• Proposition

• A true statement used in proving other true statements (that is, a less important theorem that is helpful in the proof of other results).

Match the following:

• Conjecture

• A basic assumption about a mathematical situation. (a statement we assume to be true).

• Axiom

• The explanation of why a statement is true.

• Proof

• A statement believed to be true, but for which we have no proof. (a statement that is being proposed to be a true statement)

How does the idea of "proof" define the boundaries of mathematical knowledge? (Scope)

• Proofs are unnecessary for mathematical knowledge
  

• Proofs define what counts as knowledge in mathematics, setting strict boundaries
  

• Mathematics accepts any intuitive explanation as valid proof
  

• Boundaries in mathematics are defined by physical experiments

What distinguishes the inductive method in science from mathematical induction? (Method and Tools)

• Scientific induction is based on logical deduction, mathematical induction is based on guesswork
  

• Both are forms of deductive reasoning

• Scientific induction generalizes from observations, while mathematical induction is a formal deductive method

• Both rely on empirical data

From different perspectives, how might certainty in mathematical knowledge be viewed?
(Perspectives)

• All people see mathematics as completely uncertain
  

• Certainty in mathematics is determined by experimentation

• Mathematical certainty is always equivalent to scientific certainty

• Some view proofs as absolute certainty, while others see them as dependent on axioms and logical systems.

When using computer-assisted proofs like in the Four Colour Theorem, what ethical responsibility arises in terms of accessibility? (Ethics)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7kqlYUV1l8

• Ensuring the proof is easy enough for the general public to understand.
  

• Ensuring that only experts with programming knowledge can validate the results.
  

• Ensuring the proof process and code are openly available for scrutiny by others in the community.
  

• Keeping the computational process proprietary to protect intellectual property.

Answer explanation

https://www.quantamagazine.org/mathematical-beauty-truth-and-proof-in-the-age-of-ai-20250430/

Read the article below and summarize "your views" on the same: (50-60 words)


https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mathematicians-question-ai-performance-at-international-math-olympiad/

Link for full article:
Mathematicians Question AI Performance at International Math Olympiad _ Scientific American.pdf