INDIRECT PROOFS: Assume the opposite of what you are trying to prove and start reeling off every consequence that you can think of. Eventually an error will creep in. The error will lead to a contradiction, and you will be done. If the professor finds the error, then tell her she is being too picky and demand partial credit. If your professor tries to explain what you have really done, just keep saying, "I don't understand."

DIRECT PROOFS: Start with the given and begin drawing any conclusion that occurs to you. Stop when you are halfway down the page. Then write the final conclusion at the bottom. Begin working backwards and up the page. Be sure that every new statement contains enough information to support the statement below it. Eventually you will reach the middle of the page. You are done. Of course, there will be a HUGE gap between the two statements in the middle of the page. If the professor finds the gap, then claim all proofs have some gaps and demand partial credit. If your professor won't give it to you, then say, "I don't understand."