Definition:Ansatz

Definition
An Ansatz is a guessed solution, or general form of a solution, to a mathematical problem.

A mathematician making the Ansatz will then attempt to prove that the Ansatz is indeed a solution to the original problem.

If he or she succeeds, the Ansatz is justified retroactively.

Linguistic Note
The word Ansatz is German, and means approach, or attempt, or beginning.

In all cases, the implication is that this is a first tentative step towards finding a solution.

Also see

 * Definition:Hypothesis