An indirect proof, also known as a proof by contradiction, is a method used in mathematics and logic to establish the truth of a statement. In this approach, one assumes that the statement is false and then shows that this assumption leads to a contradiction. This contradiction implies that the original statement must be true. This technique is often used in geometry and number theory, where proving a statement directly may be challenging. By demonstrating that the opposite of the statement cannot hold, mathematicians can effectively validate the original claim, making indirect proofs a powerful tool in logical reasoning and problem-solving.