What's this kind of proof called?

Question

What's the name of the style of proof in which you: 1) make an assumption, 2) demonstrate that it leads to a contradiction, and 3) conclude that your initial assumption was false?

(The example I remember from Uspensky's text was proving that there exists no standard formula for solving 5th degree polynomial equations.)

z_o_r_r_o · Accepted Answer

Proof by contradiction or indirect proof

Sukumar S · Answer

You can say this is  reductio ad absurdum. But herein you need only finate ( 2/3 ) possibilities and eliminate one by one all expect one and thus prove that since other options are invalid only this last options is correct.

? · Answer

as said before
proof by contradiction, or, in Latin "reductio ad absurdum"
Actually, I use this method on most of my proofs.

Shiinari · Answer

This is an indirect proof. It is a part of deductive reasoning.

poornakumar b · Answer

'Reductio ad Absurdum'

Here 2 Help..!! *=)* · Answer

thats called proof by contradiction or contradiction simply..!!

=)

What's this kind of proof called?

6 Answers