In mathematics, a proof is a series of logical steps of reasoning that lead to a conclusion. The reasoning should be strict enough so that the conclusion must be true if the given circumstances it uses are true.

Traditionally, a proof ends with an abbreviation that indicates that the proof is concluded. A common example is Q.E.D., which comes from the Latin quod erat demonstrandum and means what was to be shown. There are several different methods that can be used to construct and visually present a mathematical proof.

Proof Methods
Visual Styles	Proof Types
Paragraph Proof Two-Column Proof Flowchart Proof	Direct Proof Proof by Contradiction Coordinate Proof Proof by Mathematical Induction Proof by Contrapositive

The preferred method and visual style in any given case are highly dependent on the nature of the problem. The most common way of proving a certain statement is through direct proof.