Definition:Assumption

Definition
An assumption is a statement which is introduced into an argument, whose truth value is (temporarily) accepted as True.

In mathematics, the keyword let is often the indicator here that an assumption is going to be introduced.

For example:
 * Let $p$ (be true) ...

can be interpreted, in natural language, as:
 * Let us assume, for the sake of argument, that $p$ is true ...

Also defined as
Some authors use the term assumption to mean the antecedent of a conditional statement.

Also see

 * Definition:Axiom: a statement which (in a particular mathematical context) is accepted as being unconditionally true.
 * Definition:Premise: a statement which is specifically used for the purpose of deriving a conclusion.


 * Rule of Assumption