• Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 2011

The conceptions of definition and proof radically change in the transition from secondary to tertiary mathematics. Specifically this paper analyses the historical development of the axiomatic method from Greek to modern mathematics. To understand Greek and modern axiomatic method, it is important to know the different characteristics of the primitive terms, constant and variable. Especially this matter of primitive terms explains the change of conceptions of definition, proof and mathematics. This historical analysis is useful for introducing the meaning of formal definition and proof.