1951 AHSME Problems/Problem 14

Problem

In connection with proof in geometry, indicate which one of the following statements is incorrect:

$\textbf{(A)}\ \text{Some statements are accepted without being proved.}$ $\textbf{(B)}\ \text{In some instances there is more than one correct order in proving certain propositions.}$ $\textbf{(C)}\ \text{Every term used in a proof must have been defined previously.}$ $\textbf{(D)}\ \text{It is not possible to arrive by correct reasoning at a true conclusion if, in the given, there is an untrue proposition.}$ $\textbf{(E)}\ \text{Indirect proof can be used whenever there are two or more contrary propositions.}$

Solution

After reading the options, it is very apparent that $\textbf{(E)}\ \text{Indirect proof can be used whenever there are two or more contrary propositions.}$ is the correct answer; rigorous proof is needed no matter what.

1951 AHSC (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by Problem 13	Followed by Problem 15
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 • 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 • 31 • 32 • 33 • 34 • 35 • 36 • 37 • 38 • 39 • 40 • 41 • 42 • 43 • 44 • 45 • 46 • 47 • 48 • 49 • 50
All AHSME Problems and Solutions

Page

Toolbox

Search

1951 AHSME Problems/Problem 14

Problem

Solution

See Also