# How to write two different proofs for the same theorem?

I am writing a research paper in mathematics. I am proving a theorem. I have two proofs for the same statement i.e., the theorem. I want to embed both proofs. How should I do this?

Do I make it two different theorems in the paper, keeping the same statement? Or, should I state it just once and, under the proof section, mention Method 1 and Method 2?

For example, we maintain the following procedure:

\begin{thm}
(statement of the theorem)
\end{thm}

\begin{proof}
(proof of the theorem)
\end{proof}


Should I repeat the above syntax twice, keeping the same statement both times but with different proofs? Or, should I follow the below procedure?

\begin{thm}
(statement of the theorem)
\end{thm}

\begin{proof}
Method 1: (proof here with 1st method)
Method 2: (proof here with 2nd method)
\end{proof}


Is there another way to do this?

This is not a latex question. This question is based on the orientation of mathematics paper that includes a theorem with two different proofs.

• There is certainly no need to state the theorem twice. I would write something like "Theorem: [statement of theorem] We present two different proofs of the above theorem, because [reason]. Proof: [proof 1] Alternative proof: [proof 2]" Dec 19, 2021 at 11:27
• @kaya3, thanks for your comment. I agree with you. But I just want to know one thing. Should I just write proof 1 following the first proof, and then write proof 2 following the 2nd proof ? Should I underline or make bold the heading proof 1 or proof 2 ?
– MAS
Dec 19, 2021 at 11:36
• You should format headings however they are supposed to be formatted in the journal you are submitting to. Presumably they make a LaTeX template available, or a style guide, or otherwise check how other papers published by the journal are formatted. Dec 19, 2021 at 11:39

First, make sure you have a reason for doing this. For the validity of the theorem itself you only need one proof. But, often enough the value of a proof is that it gives some insight into the inner workings of things and that insight can lead to other advances.

So, I suggest the second method, provided that both proofs have some unique characteristic, but, in that case, you should also say at least a few words about why you think this proof has value. You don't have two theorems.

But if both proofs use known and standard methodology, I'd only give one of them. Two different "standard" proofs don't really add anything.

Note that special insight can come two ways. One is an insight that leads to this particular proof (insight first). The other is an insight generated by the proof (insight last).

• thanks. I indeed will follow the 2nd method and both the proofs has some unique beauty, i think
– MAS
Dec 19, 2021 at 12:31
• Mostly in agreement. Minor disagreement: Even if both have proofs which are of somewhat standard methodology, both can still add in some insight. Dec 19, 2021 at 16:34

Personally, I would present one proof directly below the theorem, and then later something like this:

\section{Alternative proof of Theorem~\ref{thm:main}}

Here we present an alternative proof because... (state reasons
why you think this is useful)

\begin{proof}[\protect{Alternative proof of Theorem~\ref{thm:main}}]

I used Latex syntax also to show how this can be done: the optional argument to proof changes the label printed before the proof, and I think protect is needed here, which may be tricky if you've never used it --- and the Latex error messages you'd get otherwise are horrible to read.
(This assumes that you are using the standard packages amsmath,amsthm --- but I have seen journal styles that use their own abominations instead of them.)
• You can probably use \protect right before \ref without the braces. Dec 19, 2021 at 13:09