Show vs. Prove (1 Viewer)

[karnbmx]

If you are required to "show" something, is that the equivalent of "proving" it?

Eg. 1985 HSC Q7. It asks to SHOW that the minimum time taken is 27/4 minutes. Does that mean it is valid to sub in this value into the second derivative to show it is greater than zero, or must one FIND this value first, using the first derivative?

 

[Carrotsticks]

Well, substituting 27/4 minutes into the second derivative, and aquiring a positive answer, does not necessarily mean that it is the minimum amount of time.

Nowadays, the difference between 'show' and 'prove' is very insignificant, but generally we have many 'shows' to eventually 'prove' something.

So for example, you would see:

a) Show .....

b) Show .....

c) Hence, prove that *wider result*.

So (a) and (b) are to establish some fundamental results, which will in turn be used to 'prove' an overall wider result.