Question

with regard to mathematics, what is an accepted statement of fact that is used to prove other statements?
a. theorem
b. axiom
c. definition
d. undefined term

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A (theorem): A theorem is a statement proven using other statements (like axioms, definitions, etc.), not an accepted fact to prove others.
• Option B (axiom): An axiom is an accepted statement of fact (a basic truth) that is used as a starting point to prove other mathematical statements.
• Option C (definition): A definition is used to explain the meaning of a term, not to prove other statements.
• Option D (undefined term): Undefined terms (like point, line) are basic concepts, not statements used to prove others.

So the correct option is the one that matches the description of an accepted fact used to prove others.

Answer:

B. axiom