Bridge to abstract mathematics (Q2915184)

This book explores the universe of abstract mathematics. Mathematics is a science that concerns theorems that must be proved within the constraints of a logical system of axioms and definitions, rather than theories that must be tested, revised, and retested. Readers will learn how to read mathematics beyond popular computational calculus courses. Moreover, readers will learn how to construct their own proofs. The book is intended as a primary text for an introductory course in proving theorems, as well as for self-study or as a reference. Throughout the text, some pieces (usually proofs) are left as exercises; Part V gives hints to help students find good approaches to the exercises.NEWLINENEWLINE Part I introduces the language of mathematics and the methods of proving. The mathematical content of Parts II through IV was chosen so that they do not seriously overlap the standard mathematics major.NEWLINENEWLINE In Part II, students study sets, functions, equivalence and order relations, and cardinality.NEWLINENEWLINE Part III concerns algebra. The goal is to prove that the real numbers form the unique, up to isomorphism, ordered field with the least upper bound; in the process, we construct the real numbers starting with the natural numbers. Students will be prepared for an abstract linear algebra or modern algebra course.NEWLINENEWLINE Part IV studies analysis. Continuity and differentiation are considered in the context of time scales (nonempty closed subsets of the real numbers). Students will be prepared for advanced calculus and general topology courses. There is a lot of room for instructors to skip and choose topics from among those that are presented.