Skip to content

The Anatomy of a Proof

Run Fullscreen

About This MicroSim

This interactive flowchart diagram shows the three essential components that every geometric proof must contain, regardless of format:

  1. GIVEN - The known information you start with (starting flag)
  2. LOGICAL STEPS - A series of valid deductions, each with a Statement and Reason
  3. PROVE (Conclusion) - What you end with (finish flag)

A Toolbox panel on the right lists the tools available for justifying proof steps: Postulates, Definitions, Previously Proven Theorems, Algebraic Properties, and Logical Reasoning Rules.

How to Use

  • Hover over each section to see more details and examples
  • Follow the large arrows from START (green) to FINISH (purple)
  • Note how each logical step box contains both a Statement and a Reason
  • Review the Toolbox to see what kinds of justifications are valid in proofs

Key Insight

The format of a proof (two-column, paragraph, flow chart, indirect, or coordinate) may vary, but these three components are always present. Every step in the middle must be justified with a valid reason.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the essential components of a geometric proof
  • Identify the Given, Logical Steps, and Prove in any proof format
  • Recognize that all proof formats share this universal structure

Bloom's Taxonomy Level

Understanding - Identifying the essential components of a geometric proof.

Iframe Embed Code

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/geometry-course/sims/anatomy-of-proof/main.html"
        height="402px"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no"></iframe>

References

  1. Introduction to Proofs - Khan Academy