[01] Liaqat Ali Khan, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Mathematics is based on deductive reasoning though man's first experience with mathematics was of an inductive nature. This means that the foundation of mathematics is the study of some logical and philosophical notions. We elaborate in simple terms that the deductive system involves four things: (1) A set of primitive undefined terms; (2) Definitions evolved from the undefined terms; (3) Axioms or postulates; (4) Theorems and their proofs. We also include some historical remarks on the nature of mathematics.

Mathematics Education, Deductive Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning, Primitive Undefined Terms, Axioms, Theorem, Direct Proof, Indirect Proof, Platonism, Formalism

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