misproof

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A mathematical proof that contains logical errors.

   • Only a misproof of Nöebling [66] (for any m) ensued in the 1930's.
   • This is what applied mathematics should be about; not the fallacious misproofs of Stoke's theorem or the relentless linearisation of the nonlinear that put me off applied mathematics for 15 years.
   • The three basic theorems of three-manifold topology -- Dehn's Lemma, the Loop Theorem, and the Sphere Theorem -- were proved in 1957 by Papakyriakopoulos. (Dehn stated his result in 1910, but gave a misproof.)
2. 2

   Evidence or convincing argument that misleads one to the wrong conclusion.

   • However, the probability of such a misproof goes to zero exponentially with the number of questions asked and hence the probability of giving an interactive “proof” for a false statement can be easily made arbitrarily small.
   • The 38-year-old Malone currently resides in Triangle, NC and referred to herself during the interview as Kellie's "mystery mom" and said she decided to talk because "a lot of misproof has been printed" about her.
3. 3

   Evidence that contradicts or casts doubt on.

   • That he could claim close kinship with a maiden so sweet and fair as Phyllis Maybird seemed almost incredible, but her own words placed the matter beyond misproof or doubt.
   • Misproof of the declared condition of mind falsifies the statement.
   • They may believe what they will — it is a story strong enough against misproof.

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