Lemma (mathematics)


In mathematics, informal logic and argument mapping, a lemma is a generally minor, proven proposition which is used as a stepping stone to a larger result. For that reason, it is also known as a "helping theorem" or an "auxiliary theorem". In many cases, a lemma derives its importance from the theorem it aims to prove, however, a lemma can also turn out to be more important than originally thought. The word "lemma" derives from the Ancient Greek .

Comparison with theorem

There is no formal distinction between a lemma and a theorem, only one of intention. However, a lemma can be considered a minor result whose sole purpose is to help prove a theorem – a step in the direction of proof – or a short theorem appearing at an intermediate stage in a proof.

Well-known lemmas

A good stepping stone can lead to many others. Some powerful results in mathematics are known as lemmas. These include, among others:
While these results originally seemed too simple or too technical to warrant independent interest, they have eventually turned out to be central to the theories in which they occur.