Mathematical Reasoning Writing and Proof

This book may be different than other mathematics textbooks you have used since one of the main goals of this book is to help you to develop the ability to construct and write mathematical proofs. So this book is not just about mathematical content but is also about the process of doing mathematics. Along the way, you will also learn some important mathematical topics that will help you in your future study of mathematics. This book is designed not to be just casually read but rather to be engaged. It may seem like a clich´e (because it is in almost every mathematics book now) but there is truth in the statement that mathematics is not a spectator sport. To learn and understand mathematics, you must engage in the process of doing mathematics. So you must actively read and study the book, which means to have a pencil and paper with you and be willing to follow along and fill in missing details. This type of engagement is not easy and is often frustrating, but if you do so, you will learn a great deal about mathematics and more importantly, about doing mathematics.