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Proof Technology in Mathematics Research and Teaching

  • Provides a much needed update on new developments on proof in the digital era
  • Brings new ideas on teaching proof and proving in mathematics education
  • Emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches on education, philosophy and technology

Part of the book series: Mathematics Education in the Digital Era (MEDE, volume 14)

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Table of contents (17 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-viii
  2. Introduction

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
    2. Proof Technology: Implications for Teaching

      • Gila Hanna, David A. Reid, Michael de Villiers
      Pages 3-9
  3. Automatic Theorem Provers

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 11-11
    2. A Fully Automatic Theorem Prover with Human-Style Output

      • M. Ganesalingam, W. T. Gowers
      Pages 13-57
    3. Studying Algebraic Structures Using Prover9 and Mace4

      • Rob Arthan, Paulo Oliva
      Pages 91-111
  4. Theoretical Perspectives on Computer-Assisted Proving

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 113-113
    2. Didactical Issues at the Interface of Mathematics and Computer Science

      • Viviane Durand-Guerrier, Antoine Meyer, Simon Modeste
      Pages 115-138
    3. Issues and Challenges in Instrumental Proof

      • Philippe R. Richard, Fabienne Venant, Michel Gagnon
      Pages 139-172
    4. Journeys in Mathematical Landscapes: Genius or Craft?

      • Lorenzo Lane, Ursula Martin, Dave Murray-Rust, Alison Pease, Fenner Tanswell
      Pages 197-212
  5. Suggestions for the Use of Proof Software in the Classroom

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 213-213
    2. Using Automated Reasoning Tools to Explore Geometric Statements and Conjectures

      • Markus Hohenwarter, Zoltán Kovács, Tomás Recio
      Pages 215-236
    3. Computer-Generated Geometry Proofs in a Learning Context

      • Pedro Quaresma, Vanda Santos
      Pages 237-253
  6. Classroom Experience with Proof Software

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 275-275
    2. Web-Based Task Design Supporting Students’ Construction of Alternative Proofs

      • Mikio Miyazaki, Taro Fujita, Keith Jones
      Pages 291-312

About this book

This book presents chapters exploring the most recent developments in the role of technology in proving. The full range of topics related to this theme are explored, including computer proving, digital collaboration among mathematicians, mathematics teaching in schools and universities, and the use of the internet as a site of proof learning.

Proving is sometimes thought to be the aspect of mathematical activity most resistant to the influence of technological change. While computational methods are well known to have a huge importance in applied mathematics, there is a perception that mathematicians seeking to derive new mathematical results are unaffected by the digital era. The reality is quite different. Digital technologies have transformed how mathematicians work together, how proof is taught in schools and universities, and even the nature of proof itself. Checking billions of cases in extremely large but finite sets, impossible a few decades ago, has now become a standard method of proof. Distributed proving, by teams of mathematicians working independently on sections of a problem, has become very much easier as digital communication facilitates the sharing and comparison of results. Proof assistants and dynamic proof environments have influenced the verification or refutation of conjectures, and ultimately how and why proof is taught in schools. And techniques from computer science for checking the validity of programs are being used to verify mathematical proofs.

Chapters in this book include not only research reports and case studies, but also theoretical essays, reviews of the state of the art in selected areas, and historical studies. The authors are experts in the field. 

Reviews

“This book is intended for specialists in mathematics education with an interest in computer science advances as well as for researchers in the field of automated reasoning with an interest in the pedagogical and didactic implications of their work. It provides a valuable contribution to mathematics education by initiating a process of in-depth reflection on the educational value of new technological tools such as automatic theorem provers and dynamic geometric environments.” (Frédéric Morneau-Guérin, MAA Reviews, May 24, 2020)

Editors and Affiliations

  • Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Gila Hanna

  • AG Didaktik, Fachbereich 3, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany

    David A. Reid

  • Faculty of Education, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa

    Michael de Villiers

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access