THE WIDTH OF A PROOF

Abstract

This paper’s aim is to discuss the concept of width of a proof put forward by Timothy Gowers. It explains what this concept means and attempts to show how it relates to other concepts discussed in the existing literature on proof and proving. It also explores how the concept of width of a proof might be used productively in the mathematics curriculum and how it might fit with the various perspectives on learning to prove.

Keywords

• Argumentation; Explanation; Memorability; Proof