5.2-5.3 due by January 31

A. In considering the example for the proofs by contradiction it appeared to me that the first step is a difficult one to make. First, one has to assume some x in P(x) which makes R false. To get to that point, however it takes practice and familiarity with these problems to be able to identify what would make it false and how to show it. In short, experience seems to be a fundamental key to proving these results. Getting to that point is frustrating at times because of the growing pains and repetition involved but rewarding in the end.
B. This past week I have been wanting to draw up a table or diagram to depict how to proof a result. I like the table in 5.3 because it helped me see visually how the first step can be taken either wrong or right. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" as they say and it follow that with proofs. The workings of a great proof are made or broke by the efficiency of the first step. I liked that.