Theorem

/ˈθiːərəm/ or /ˈθɪərəm/ noun

Definition

A theorem is a statement, usually in mathematics, that has been proven to be true using logical steps and previously known facts. It starts as an idea and becomes a theorem only after a correct proof is found.

Etymology

From Latin *theorema*, from Greek *theorema* 'spectacle, that which is looked at', from *theorein* 'to look at, to consider'. The meaning shifted from 'something to be looked at' to 'a proposition to be examined and proved'.

Kelly Says

A theorem is like a math celebrity: many statements exist, but only the proved ones earn the title. The original Greek sense of 'theorem' as 'a thing to look at' fits—these are the beautiful results everyone stares at in math.

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