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Terminology: Difference between Lemma, Theorem, Definition, Hypothesis, Postulate and a Proposition [duplicate]

Based on observation after reading few books and papers, I think that

Lemma : Lemma contains some information that is commonly used to support a theorem. So, a Lemma introduces a Theorem and comes before that Theorem. The information contained in the Lemma is generally used in the proof of the Theorem.

Q1: What is a Proposition ?

Q2: What is the difference between Proposition and Theorem ? A Proposition can also be proved, in the same way as a Theorem is proven.

Hypothesis : A hypothesis is like a statement for a guess, and we need to prove that analytically or experimentally.

Q3: What is the difference between Theorem and Hypothesis , for example Null hypothesis in statistics? In general, if a Theorem is always proven to be true then it no longer becomes a Hypothesis? Am I correct?

Q4: What is the difference between Postulate and Theorem ?

Q5 : What is the difference between a proposition and a definition ?

Looking for easy to remember answers. Thank you for help.

  • terminology

SKM's user avatar

  • 1 $\begingroup$ A definition is just a 'naming' of an object and not like a theorem at all... a proposition is a theorem... usually an 'easy theorem' setting out some basic facts. $\endgroup$ –  JP McCarthy Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 17:38

I'm not the authority on this, but this is how I interpret all of these words in math literature:

Definition - This is an assignment of language and syntax to some property of a set, function, or other object. A definition is not something you prove, it is something someone assigns. Often you will want to prove that something satisfies a definition. Example: We call a mapping $f:X\to Y$ injective if whenever $f(x) = f(y)$ then $x=y$.

Proposition - This is a property that one can derive easily or directly from a given definition of an object. Example: the identity element in a group is unique.

Lemma - This is a property that one can derive or prove which is usually technical in nature and is not of primary importance to the overall body of knowledge one is trying to develop. Usually lemmas are there as precursors to larger results that one wants to obtain, or introduce a new technique or tool that one can use over and over again. Example: In a Hausdorff space, compact subsets can be separated by disjoint open subsets.

Theorem - This is a property of major importance that one can derive which usually has far-sweeping consequences for the area of math one is studying. Theorems don't necessarily need the support of propositions or lemmas, but they often do require other smaller results to support their evidence. Example: Every manifold has a simply connected covering space.

Corollary - This is usually a result that is a direct consequence of a major theorem. Often times a theorem lends itself to other smaller results or special cases which can be shown by simpler methods once a theorem is proven. Example: A consequence to the Hopf-Rinow theorem is that compact manifolds are geodesically complete.

Conjecture - This is an educated prediction that one makes based on their experience. The difference between a conjecture and a lemma/theorem/corollary is that it is usually an open research problem that either has no answer, or some partial answer. Conjectures are usually only considered important if they are authored by someone well-known in their respective area of mathematics. Once it is proven or disproven, it ceases to be a conjecture and either becomes a fact (backed by a theorem) or there is some interesting counterexample to demonstrate how it is wrong. Example: The Poincar$\acute{\text{e}}$ conjecture was a famous statement that remained an open research problem in topology for roughly a century. The claim was that every simply connected, compact 3-manifold was homeomorphic to the 3-sphere $\mathbb{S}^3$. This statement however is no longer a conjecture since it was famously proven by Grigori Perelman in 2003.

Postulate - I would appreciate community input on this, but I haven't seen this word used in any of the texts/papers I read. I would assume that this is synonymous with proposition.

Mnifldz's user avatar

  • 5 $\begingroup$ I know Postulate is a synonym of axiom. Very used word in italian, but more in physics than mathematics. See wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axiom $\endgroup$ –  user3621272 Commented Apr 23, 2015 at 9:24
  • $\begingroup$ @Mnifldz and user3621272: Thank you very much for the answers; it is easy to understand and clear. $\endgroup$ –  SKM Commented Apr 23, 2015 at 17:01

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hypothesis geometry term

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A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or statement that can be tested through observation and experimentation. It serves as a foundation for reasoning and inference, allowing one to predict outcomes based on given conditions. In various logical frameworks, a hypothesis is the initial assumption that can lead to further deductions or conclusions, making it crucial for establishing relationships between concepts.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  • In logical reasoning, a hypothesis typically takes the form of an 'if-then' statement, making it clear how different variables are related.
  • Testing a hypothesis involves collecting data and evaluating whether the outcomes align with the predictions made, which is essential in both scientific inquiry and mathematical proofs.
  • The validity of a hypothesis can change based on new evidence; it can be supported, refuted, or refined as further tests are conducted.
  • In deductive reasoning, a hypothesis can serve as the starting point for drawing conclusions about specific cases based on general principles.
  • In coordinate geometry, hypotheses about points and lines can be tested using the coordinates to prove or disprove certain geometric relationships.

Review Questions

  • Forming a hypothesis in coordinate geometry allows one to establish an expected relationship between points, lines, or shapes based on their coordinates. For instance, if one hypothesizes that two points form a right angle, this can be tested by checking the slopes of the lines connecting them. By validating or invalidating these hypotheses through calculations and proofs, one can draw reliable conclusions about geometric properties.
  • Conditional statements often take the form of 'if-then' statements where the 'if' part represents the hypothesis. This relationship is vital because it allows one to outline clear conditions under which certain conclusions will hold true. When constructing an argument, establishing a strong hypothesis ensures that the reasoning process is valid and enables one to infer logically consistent outcomes based on the given premises.
  • Hypotheses play distinct yet complementary roles in inductive and deductive reasoning. In inductive reasoning, they arise from specific observations leading to broader generalizations—such as noticing multiple triangles with a certain property and hypothesizing it applies universally. Conversely, in deductive reasoning, hypotheses serve as starting points for deriving specific cases from established principles—like asserting that if all right angles are equal (hypothesis), then any triangle with a right angle maintains that property. This interplay underscores how hypotheses are essential in forming connections between general rules and specific scenarios.

Related terms

Conjecture : A conjecture is an unproven statement or proposition that is based on observations, often requiring validation through further investigation.

Inference : An inference is a conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements, often deriving from the hypothesis.

Premise : A premise is a statement or proposition that provides the basis for an argument or logical reasoning, typically leading to a conclusion.

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Explanation of Hypothesis

Contradiction, simple hypothesis, complex hypothesis, null hypothesis, alternative hypothesis, empirical hypothesis, statistical hypothesis, special example of hypothesis, solution part (a), solution part (b), hypothesis|definition & meaning.

A hypothesis is a claim or statement  that makes sense in the context of some information or data at hand but hasn’t been established as true or false through experimentation or proof.

In mathematics, any statement or equation that describes some relationship between certain variables can be termed as hypothesis if it is consistent with some initial supporting data or information, however, its yet   to be proven true or false by some definite and trustworthy experiment or mathematical law. 

Following example illustrates one such hypothesis to shed some light on this very fundamental concept which is often used in different areas of mathematics.

Example of Hypothesis

Figure 1: Example of Hypothesis

Here we have considered an example of a young startup company that manufactures state of the art batteries. The hypothesis or the claim of the company is that their batteries have a mean life of more than 1000 hours. Now its very easy to understand that they can prove their claim on some testing experiment in their lab.

However, the statement can only be proven if and only if at least one batch of their production batteries have actually been deployed in the real world for more than 1000 hours . After 1000 hours, data needs to be collected and it needs to be seen what is the probability of this statement being true .

The following paragraphs further explain this concept.

As explained with the help of an example earlier, a hypothesis in mathematics is an untested claim that is backed up by all the known data or some other discoveries or some weak experiments.

In any mathematical discovery, we first start by assuming something or some relationship . This supposed statement is called a supposition. A supposition, however, becomes a hypothesis when it is supported by all available data and a large number of contradictory findings.

The hypothesis is an important part of the scientific method that is widely known today for making new discoveries. The field of mathematics inherited this process. Following figure shows this cycle as a graphic:

Role of Hypothesis in the Scientific Method

Figure 2: Role of Hypothesis in the Scientific Method 

The above figure shows a simplified version of the scientific method. It shows that whenever a supposition is supported by some data, its termed as hypothesis. Once a hypothesis is proven by some well known and widely acceptable experiment or proof, its becomes a law. If the hypothesis is rejected by some contradictory results then the supposition is changed and the cycle continues.

Lets try to understand the scientific method and the hypothesis concept with the help of an example. Lets say that a teacher wanted to analyze the relationship between the students performance in a certain subject, lets call it A, based on whether or not they studied a minor course, lets call it B.

Now the teacher puts forth a supposition that the students taking the course B prior to course A must perform better in the latter due to the obvious linkages in the key concepts. Due to this linkage, this supposition can be termed as a hypothesis.

However to test the hypothesis, the teacher has to collect data from all of his/her students such that he/she knows which students have taken course B and which ones haven’t. Then at the end of the semester, the performance of the students must be measured and compared with their course B enrollments.

If the students that took course B prior to course A perform better, then the hypothesis concludes successful . Otherwise, the supposition may need revision.

The following figure explains this problem graphically.

Teacher and Course Example of Hypothesis

Figure 3: Teacher and Course Example of Hypothesis

Important Terms Related to Hypothesis

To further elaborate the concept of hypothesis, we first need to understand a few key terms that are widely used in this area such as conjecture, contradiction and some special types of hypothesis (simple, complex, null, alternative, empirical, statistical). These terms are briefly explained below:

A conjecture is a term used to describe a mathematical assertion that has notbeenproved. While testing   may occasionally turn up millions of examples in favour of a conjecture, most experts in the area will typically only accept a proof . In mathematics, this term is synonymous to the term hypothesis.

In mathematics, a contradiction occurs if the results of an experiment or proof are against some hypothesis.  In other words, a contradiction discredits a hypothesis.

A simple hypothesis is such a type of hypothesis that claims there is a correlation between two variables. The first is known as a dependent variable while the second is known as an independent variable.

A complex hypothesis is such a type of hypothesis that claims there is a correlation between more than two variables.  Both the dependent and independent variables in this hypothesis may be more than one in numbers.

A null hypothesis, usually denoted by H0, is such a type of hypothesis that claims there is no statistical relationship and significance between two sets of observed data and measured occurrences for each set of defined, single observable variables. In short the variables are independent.

An alternative hypothesis, usually denoted by H1 or Ha, is such a type of hypothesis where the variables may be statistically influenced by some unknown factors or variables. In short the variables are dependent on some unknown phenomena .

An Empirical hypothesis is such a type of hypothesis that is built on top of some empirical data or experiment or formulation.

A statistical hypothesis is such a type of hypothesis that is built on top of some statistical data or experiment or formulation. It may be logical or illogical in nature.

According to the Riemann hypothesis, only negative even integers and complex numbers with real part 1/2 have zeros in the Riemann zeta function . It is regarded by many as the most significant open issue in pure mathematics.

Riemann Hypothesis

Figure 4: Riemann Hypothesis

The Riemann hypothesis is the most well-known mathematical conjecture, and it has been the subject of innumerable proof efforts.

Numerical Examples

Identify the conclusions and hypothesis in the following given statements. Also state if the conclusion supports the hypothesis or not.

Part (a): If 30x = 30, then x = 1

Part (b): if 10x + 2 = 50, then x = 24

Hypothesis: 30x = 30

Conclusion: x = 10

Supports Hypothesis: Yes

Hypothesis: 10x + 2 = 50

Conclusion: x = 24

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The majority of statements in mathematics can be written in the form: "If A, then B." For example: "If a function is differentiable, then it is continuous". In this example, the "A" part is "a function is differentiable" and the "B" part is "a function is continuous." The "A" part of the statement is called the "hypothesis", and the "B" part of the statement is called the "conclusion". Thus the hypothesis is what we must assume in order to be positive that the conclusion will hold.

Whenever you are asked to state a theorem, be sure to include the hypothesis. In order to know when you may apply the theorem, you need to know what constraints you have. So in the example above, if we know that a function is differentiable, we may assume that it is continuous. However, if we do not know that a function is differentiable, continuity may not hold. Some theorems have MANY hypotheses, some of which are written in sentences before the ultimate "if, then" statement. For example, there might be a sentence that says: "Assume n is even." which is then followed by an if,then statement. Include all hypotheses and assumptions when asked to state theorems and definitions!

Still have questions? Please ask!

Definition Of Hypothesis

Hypothesis is the part of a conditional statement just after the word if.

Examples of Hypothesis

In the conditional, "If all fours sides of a quadrilateral measure the same, then the quadrilateral is a square" the hypothesis is "all fours sides of a quadrilateral measure the same".

Video Examples: Hypothesis  

Solved Example on Hypothesis

Ques:  in the example above, is the hypothesis "all fours sides of a quadrilateral measure the same" always, never, or sometimes true.

A. always B. never C. sometimes Correct Answer: C

Step 1: The hypothesis is sometimes true. Because, its true only for a square and a rhombus, not for the other quadrilaterals rectangle, parallelogram, or trapezoid.

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When we previously discussed inductive reasoning we based our reasoning on examples and on data from earlier events. If we instead use facts, rules and definitions then it's called deductive reasoning.

We will explain this by using an example.

If you get good grades then you will get into a good college.

The part after the "if": you get good grades - is called a hypotheses and the part after the "then" - you will get into a good college - is called a conclusion.

Hypotheses followed by a conclusion is called an If-then statement or a conditional statement.

This is noted as

$$p \to q$$

This is read - if p then q.

A conditional statement is false if hypothesis is true and the conclusion is false. The example above would be false if it said "if you get good grades then you will not get into a good college".

If we re-arrange a conditional statement or change parts of it then we have what is called a related conditional.

Our conditional statement is: if a population consists of 50% men then 50% of the population must be women.

If we exchange the position of the hypothesis and the conclusion we get a converse statemen t: if a population consists of 50% women then 50% of the population must be men.

$$q\rightarrow p$$

If both statements are true or if both statements are false then the converse is true. A conditional and its converse do not mean the same thing

If we negate both the hypothesis and the conclusion we get a inverse statemen t: if a population do not consist of 50% men then the population do not consist of 50% women.

$$\sim p\rightarrow \: \sim q$$

The inverse is not true juest because the conditional is true. The inverse always has the same truth value as the converse.

We could also negate a converse statement, this is called a contrapositive statemen t:  if a population do not consist of 50% women then the population do not consist of 50% men.

$$\sim q\rightarrow \: \sim p$$

The contrapositive does always have the same truth value as the conditional. If the conditional is true then the contrapositive is true.

A pattern of reaoning is a true assumption if it always lead to a true conclusion. The most common patterns of reasoning are detachment and syllogism.

If we turn of the water in the shower, then the water will stop pouring.

If we call the first part p and the second part q then we know that p results in q. This means that if p is true then q will also be true. This is called the law of detachment and is noted:

$$\left [ (p \to q)\wedge p \right ] \to q$$

The law of syllogism tells us that if p → q and q → r then p → r is also true.

This is noted:

$$\left [ (p \to q)\wedge (q \to r ) \right ] \to (p \to r)$$

If the following statements are true:

If we turn of the water (p), then the water will stop pouring (q). If the water stops pouring (q) then we don't get wet any more (r).

Then the law of syllogism tells us that if we turn of the water (p) then we don't get wet (r) must be true.

Video lesson

Write a converse, inverse and contrapositive to the conditional

"If you eat a whole pint of ice cream, then you won't be hungry"

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The part of a after and before . In the conditional "If a is , then the line has 0" the hypothesis is "a line is horizontal".

 

 

 

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Theorems, Corollaries, Lemmas

What are all those things? They sound so impressive!

Well, they are basically just facts : some result that has been arrived at.

  • A Theorem is a major result
  • A Corollary is a theorem that follows on from another theorem
  • A Lemma is a small result (less important than a theorem)

Here is an example from Geometry:

Example: A Theorem and a Corollary

Angles on one side of a straight line always add to 180° .

Following on from that theorem we find that where two lines intersect, the angles opposite each other (called Vertical Angles ) are equal (a=c and b=d in the diagram).

Angles a and b add to 180° because they are along a line:

a + b = 180°

a = 180° − b

Likewise for angles b and c

b + c = 180°

c = 180° − b

And since both a and c equal 180° − b, then

And a slightly more complicated example from Geometry:

Example: A Theorem, a Corollary to it, and also a Lemma!

Proof: Join the center O to A.

Triangle ABO is isosceles (two equal sides, two equal angles), so:

And, using Angles of a Triangle add to 180° :

Triangle ACO is isosceles, so:

And, using Angles around a point add to 360° :

Replace b + c with a , we get:

Angle BAC = a° and Angle BOC = 2a°

And we have proved the theorem.

(That was a "major" result, so is a Theorem.)

(This is called the "Angles Subtended by the Same Arc Theorem ", but it’s really just a Corollary of the "Angle at the Center Theorem" )

Keeping the endpoints fixed ... ... the angle a° is always the same, no matter where it is on the circumference:

So, Angles Subtended by the Same Arc are equal.

(This is sometimes called the "Angle in the Semicircle Theorem" , but it’s really just a Lemma to the "Angle at the Center Theorem" )

In the special case where the central angle forms a diameter of the circle:

2a° = 180° , so a° = 90°

So an angle inscribed in a semicircle is always a right angle.

(That was a "small" result, so it is a Lemma.)

Another example, related to Pythagoras' Theorem :

If m and n are any two whole numbers and

  • a = m 2 − n 2
  • c = m 2 + n 2

then a 2 + b 2 = c 2

(That was a "major" result.)

a, b and c, as defined above, are a Pythagorean Triple

From the Theorem a 2 + b 2 = c 2 , so a, b and c are a Pythagorean Triple

(That result "followed on" from the previous Theorem.)

If m = 2 and n = 1, then we get the Pythagorean triple 3, 4 and 5

If m = 2 and n = 1, then

  • a = 2 2 − 1 2 = 4 − 1 = 3
  • b = 2 × 2 × 1 = 4
  • c = 2 2 + 1 2 = 4 + 1 = 5

(That was a "small" result.)

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Hypothesis Testing

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A hypothesis test is a statistical inference method used to test the significance of a proposed (hypothesized) relation between population statistics (parameters) and their corresponding sample estimators . In other words, hypothesis tests are used to determine if there is enough evidence in a sample to prove a hypothesis true for the entire population.

The test considers two hypotheses: the null hypothesis , which is a statement meant to be tested, usually something like "there is no effect" with the intention of proving this false, and the alternate hypothesis , which is the statement meant to stand after the test is performed. The two hypotheses must be mutually exclusive ; moreover, in most applications, the two are complementary (one being the negation of the other). The test works by comparing the \(p\)-value to the level of significance (a chosen target). If the \(p\)-value is less than or equal to the level of significance, then the null hypothesis is rejected.

When analyzing data, only samples of a certain size might be manageable as efficient computations. In some situations the error terms follow a continuous or infinite distribution, hence the use of samples to suggest accuracy of the chosen test statistics. The method of hypothesis testing gives an advantage over guessing what distribution or which parameters the data follows.

Definitions and Methodology

Hypothesis test and confidence intervals.

In statistical inference, properties (parameters) of a population are analyzed by sampling data sets. Given assumptions on the distribution, i.e. a statistical model of the data, certain hypotheses can be deduced from the known behavior of the model. These hypotheses must be tested against sampled data from the population.

The null hypothesis \((\)denoted \(H_0)\) is a statement that is assumed to be true. If the null hypothesis is rejected, then there is enough evidence (statistical significance) to accept the alternate hypothesis \((\)denoted \(H_1).\) Before doing any test for significance, both hypotheses must be clearly stated and non-conflictive, i.e. mutually exclusive, statements. Rejecting the null hypothesis, given that it is true, is called a type I error and it is denoted \(\alpha\), which is also its probability of occurrence. Failing to reject the null hypothesis, given that it is false, is called a type II error and it is denoted \(\beta\), which is also its probability of occurrence. Also, \(\alpha\) is known as the significance level , and \(1-\beta\) is known as the power of the test. \(H_0\) \(\textbf{is true}\)\(\hspace{15mm}\) \(H_0\) \(\textbf{is false}\) \(\textbf{Reject}\) \(H_0\)\(\hspace{10mm}\) Type I error Correct Decision \(\textbf{Reject}\) \(H_1\) Correct Decision Type II error The test statistic is the standardized value following the sampled data under the assumption that the null hypothesis is true, and a chosen particular test. These tests depend on the statistic to be studied and the assumed distribution it follows, e.g. the population mean following a normal distribution. The \(p\)-value is the probability of observing an extreme test statistic in the direction of the alternate hypothesis, given that the null hypothesis is true. The critical value is the value of the assumed distribution of the test statistic such that the probability of making a type I error is small.
Methodologies: Given an estimator \(\hat \theta\) of a population statistic \(\theta\), following a probability distribution \(P(T)\), computed from a sample \(\mathcal{S},\) and given a significance level \(\alpha\) and test statistic \(t^*,\) define \(H_0\) and \(H_1;\) compute the test statistic \(t^*.\) \(p\)-value Approach (most prevalent): Find the \(p\)-value using \(t^*\) (right-tailed). If the \(p\)-value is at most \(\alpha,\) reject \(H_0\). Otherwise, reject \(H_1\). Critical Value Approach: Find the critical value solving the equation \(P(T\geq t_\alpha)=\alpha\) (right-tailed). If \(t^*>t_\alpha\), reject \(H_0\). Otherwise, reject \(H_1\). Note: Failing to reject \(H_0\) only means inability to accept \(H_1\), and it does not mean to accept \(H_0\).
Assume a normally distributed population has recorded cholesterol levels with various statistics computed. From a sample of 100 subjects in the population, the sample mean was 214.12 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), with a sample standard deviation of 45.71 mg/dL. Perform a hypothesis test, with significance level 0.05, to test if there is enough evidence to conclude that the population mean is larger than 200 mg/dL. Hypothesis Test We will perform a hypothesis test using the \(p\)-value approach with significance level \(\alpha=0.05:\) Define \(H_0\): \(\mu=200\). Define \(H_1\): \(\mu>200\). Since our values are normally distributed, the test statistic is \(z^*=\frac{\bar X - \mu_0}{\frac{s}{\sqrt{n}}}=\frac{214.12 - 200}{\frac{45.71}{\sqrt{100}}}\approx 3.09\). Using a standard normal distribution, we find that our \(p\)-value is approximately \(0.001\). Since the \(p\)-value is at most \(\alpha=0.05,\) we reject \(H_0\). Therefore, we can conclude that the test shows sufficient evidence to support the claim that \(\mu\) is larger than \(200\) mg/dL.

If the sample size was smaller, the normal and \(t\)-distributions behave differently. Also, the question itself must be managed by a double-tail test instead.

Assume a population's cholesterol levels are recorded and various statistics are computed. From a sample of 25 subjects, the sample mean was 214.12 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), with a sample standard deviation of 45.71 mg/dL. Perform a hypothesis test, with significance level 0.05, to test if there is enough evidence to conclude that the population mean is not equal to 200 mg/dL. Hypothesis Test We will perform a hypothesis test using the \(p\)-value approach with significance level \(\alpha=0.05\) and the \(t\)-distribution with 24 degrees of freedom: Define \(H_0\): \(\mu=200\). Define \(H_1\): \(\mu\neq 200\). Using the \(t\)-distribution, the test statistic is \(t^*=\frac{\bar X - \mu_0}{\frac{s}{\sqrt{n}}}=\frac{214.12 - 200}{\frac{45.71}{\sqrt{25}}}\approx 1.54\). Using a \(t\)-distribution with 24 degrees of freedom, we find that our \(p\)-value is approximately \(2(0.068)=0.136\). We have multiplied by two since this is a two-tailed argument, i.e. the mean can be smaller than or larger than. Since the \(p\)-value is larger than \(\alpha=0.05,\) we fail to reject \(H_0\). Therefore, the test does not show sufficient evidence to support the claim that \(\mu\) is not equal to \(200\) mg/dL.

The complement of the rejection on a two-tailed hypothesis test (with significance level \(\alpha\)) for a population parameter \(\theta\) is equivalent to finding a confidence interval \((\)with confidence level \(1-\alpha)\) for the population parameter \(\theta\). If the assumption on the parameter \(\theta\) falls inside the confidence interval, then the test has failed to reject the null hypothesis \((\)with \(p\)-value greater than \(\alpha).\) Otherwise, if \(\theta\) does not fall in the confidence interval, then the null hypothesis is rejected in favor of the alternate \((\)with \(p\)-value at most \(\alpha).\)

  • Statistics (Estimation)
  • Normal Distribution
  • Correlation
  • Confidence Intervals

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Null Hypothesis

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In mathematics, Statistics deals with the study of research and surveys on the numerical data. For taking surveys, we have to define the hypothesis. Generally, there are two types of hypothesis. One is a null hypothesis, and another is an alternative hypothesis .

In probability and statistics, the null hypothesis is a comprehensive statement or default status that there is zero happening or nothing happening. For example, there is no connection among groups or no association between two measured events. It is generally assumed here that the hypothesis is true until any other proof has been brought into the light to deny the hypothesis. Let us learn more here with definition, symbol, principle, types and example, in this article.

Table of contents:

  • Comparison with Alternative Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis Definition

The null hypothesis is a kind of hypothesis which explains the population parameter whose purpose is to test the validity of the given experimental data. This hypothesis is either rejected or not rejected based on the viability of the given population or sample . In other words, the null hypothesis is a hypothesis in which the sample observations results from the chance. It is said to be a statement in which the surveyors wants to examine the data. It is denoted by H 0 .

Null Hypothesis Symbol

In statistics, the null hypothesis is usually denoted by letter H with subscript ‘0’ (zero), such that H 0 . It is pronounced as H-null or H-zero or H-nought. At the same time, the alternative hypothesis expresses the observations determined by the non-random cause. It is represented by H 1 or H a .

Null Hypothesis Principle

The principle followed for null hypothesis testing is, collecting the data and determining the chances of a given set of data during the study on some random sample, assuming that the null hypothesis is true. In case if the given data does not face the expected null hypothesis, then the outcome will be quite weaker, and they conclude by saying that the given set of data does not provide strong evidence against the null hypothesis because of insufficient evidence. Finally, the researchers tend to reject that.

Null Hypothesis Formula

Here, the hypothesis test formulas are given below for reference.

The formula for the null hypothesis is:

H 0 :  p = p 0

The formula for the alternative hypothesis is:

H a = p >p 0 , < p 0 ≠ p 0

The formula for the test static is:

Remember that,  p 0  is the null hypothesis and p – hat is the sample proportion.

Also, read:

Types of Null Hypothesis

There are different types of hypothesis. They are:

Simple Hypothesis

It completely specifies the population distribution. In this method, the sampling distribution is the function of the sample size.

Composite Hypothesis

The composite hypothesis is one that does not completely specify the population distribution.

Exact Hypothesis

Exact hypothesis defines the exact value of the parameter. For example μ= 50

Inexact Hypothesis

This type of hypothesis does not define the exact value of the parameter. But it denotes a specific range or interval. For example 45< μ <60

Null Hypothesis Rejection

Sometimes the null hypothesis is rejected too. If this hypothesis is rejected means, that research could be invalid. Many researchers will neglect this hypothesis as it is merely opposite to the alternate hypothesis. It is a better practice to create a hypothesis and test it. The goal of researchers is not to reject the hypothesis. But it is evident that a perfect statistical model is always associated with the failure to reject the null hypothesis.

How do you Find the Null Hypothesis?

The null hypothesis says there is no correlation between the measured event (the dependent variable) and the independent variable. We don’t have to believe that the null hypothesis is true to test it. On the contrast, you will possibly assume that there is a connection between a set of variables ( dependent and independent).

When is Null Hypothesis Rejected?

The null hypothesis is rejected using the P-value approach. If the P-value is less than or equal to the α, there should be a rejection of the null hypothesis in favour of the alternate hypothesis. In case, if P-value is greater than α, the null hypothesis is not rejected.

Null Hypothesis and Alternative Hypothesis

Now, let us discuss the difference between the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis.

1

The null hypothesis is a statement. There exists no relation between two variables

Alternative hypothesis a statement, there exists some relationship between two measured phenomenon

2

Denoted by H

Denoted by H

3

The observations of this hypothesis are the result of chance

The observations of this hypothesis are the result of real effect

4

The mathematical formulation of the null hypothesis is an equal sign

The mathematical formulation alternative hypothesis is an inequality sign such as greater than, less than, etc.

Null Hypothesis Examples

Here, some of the examples of the null hypothesis are given below. Go through the below ones to understand the concept of the null hypothesis in a better way.

If a medicine reduces the risk of cardiac stroke, then the null hypothesis should be “the medicine does not reduce the chance of cardiac stroke”. This testing can be performed by the administration of a drug to a certain group of people in a controlled way. If the survey shows that there is a significant change in the people, then the hypothesis is rejected.

Few more examples are:

1). Are there is 100% chance of getting affected by dengue?

Ans: There could be chances of getting affected by dengue but not 100%.

2). Do teenagers are using mobile phones more than grown-ups to access the internet?

Ans: Age has no limit on using mobile phones to access the internet.

3). Does having apple daily will not cause fever?

Ans: Having apple daily does not assure of not having fever, but increases the immunity to fight against such diseases.

4). Do the children more good in doing mathematical calculations than grown-ups?

Ans: Age has no effect on Mathematical skills.

In many common applications, the choice of the null hypothesis is not automated, but the testing and calculations may be automated. Also, the choice of the null hypothesis is completely based on previous experiences and inconsistent advice. The choice can be more complicated and based on the variety of applications and the diversity of the objectives. 

The main limitation for the choice of the null hypothesis is that the hypothesis suggested by the data is based on the reasoning which proves nothing. It means that if some hypothesis provides a summary of the data set, then there would be no value in the testing of the hypothesis on the particular set of data. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Null Hypothesis

What is meant by the null hypothesis.

In Statistics, a null hypothesis is a type of hypothesis which explains the population parameter whose purpose is to test the validity of the given experimental data.

What are the benefits of hypothesis testing?

Hypothesis testing is defined as a form of inferential statistics, which allows making conclusions from the entire population based on the sample representative.

When a null hypothesis is accepted and rejected?

The null hypothesis is either accepted or rejected in terms of the given data. If P-value is less than α, then the null hypothesis is rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis, and if the P-value is greater than α, then the null hypothesis is accepted in favor of the alternative hypothesis.

Why is the null hypothesis important?

The importance of the null hypothesis is that it provides an approximate description of the phenomena of the given data. It allows the investigators to directly test the relational statement in a research study.

How to accept or reject the null hypothesis in the chi-square test?

If the result of the chi-square test is bigger than the critical value in the table, then the data does not fit the model, which represents the rejection of the null hypothesis.

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Hypothesis Testing

Hypothesis testing is the use of statistics to determine the probability that a given hypothesis is true. The usual process of hypothesis testing consists of four steps.

2. Identify a test statistic that can be used to assess the truth of the null hypothesis .

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Weisstein, Eric W. "Hypothesis Testing." From MathWorld --A Wolfram Web Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/HypothesisTesting.html

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