Which term best describes a proof in which you assume the opposite of what you want to prove?

A. proof by syllogism

B. proof by inverse

C. proof by contradiction

D. proof by contrapositive

The correct answer is:

C) proof by contradiction.

Explanation:

In a proof by contradiction, we show that a statement is true by proving it cannot be false. A statement can be either true or false, not both; if we prove it cannot be false, it must be true.