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Lemma

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A lemma is a theorem used to simplify the proof of some other theorem. One might draw an analogy to the use of components in the construction of an electronic device -- no electronic device really "needs" separate components, but modular design greatly simplifies and stabilises.

When giving a lemma a name, one might say that the lemma is "towards" a given theorem. Then, when proving the main theorem, one might say "by the lemma" to draw on the result of the latter.

Want to learn how to tackle those tough AMC/AIME/Olympiad counting and probability problems? Check out Art of Problem Solving's Intermediate Counting & Probability by David Patrick.
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