Proof in Geometry: With Mistakes in Geometric Proofs (Dover Books on Mathematics)

This single-volume compilation of two books explores the construction of geometric proofs. In addition to offering useful criteria for determining correctness, it presents examples of faulty proofs that illustrate common errors. High-school geometry is the sole prerequisite.Proof in Geometry, the first in this two-part compilation, discusses the construction of geometric proofs and presents criteria useful for determining whether a proof is logically correct and whether it actually constitutes proof. It features sample invalid proofs, in which the errors are explained and corrected.Mistakes in Geometric Proofs, the second book in this compilation, consists chiefly of examples of faulty proofs. Some illustrate mistakes in reasoning students might be likely to make, and others are classic sophisms. Chapters 1 and 3 present the faulty proofs, and chapters 2 and 4 offer comprehensive analyses of the errors.