Final answer:
To disprove a mathematical statement, one should assume the statement is true and then derive a contradiction, using methods such as counterexamples or inconsistencies in the logic of the argument.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you want to disprove a statement in mathematics, you typically use a method called proving by contradiction. In this case, the correct approach would be A) Assume the statement is true and derive a contradiction. This method involves assuming that the premise of the statement is true, and then logically working out the consequences of this assumption. If you reach a conclusion that is obviously false or contradicts an established fact, you have successfully disproven the original statement.
It's important to note that attempting to disprove something involves critical thinking and looking for possible counterexamples or inconsistencies within the argument's logic. If the evidence supporting a claim is empirical, it is essential to check the facts and look for any weaknesses or untruths in the premises. In deductive reasoning, you provisionally accept the premises as true and then evaluate if the conclusion logically follows. If a conclusion can be reached that is false despite true premises, this means the argument is invalid.