Math Is Fun Forum

Dental

Member

Registered: 2006-02-24

Posts: 2

Mathematical proof 2=1

I found something very interesting, a mathematical proof showing that 2=1. It"s here:

http://iforum.xf.cz/viewtopic.php?t=9

And I think I already know where is the problem...

Ricky

Moderator

Registered: 2005-12-04

Posts: 3,791

Re: Mathematical proof 2=1

a = b, so a - b = 0.  And we all know what happens when you divide by 0, don't we?

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"In the real world, this would be a problem.  But in mathematics, we can just define a place where this problem doesn't exist.  So we'll go ahead and do that now..."

Jai Ganesh

Administrator

Registered: 2005-06-28

Posts: 48,428

Re: Mathematical proof 2=1

Good, you know where the problem lies
Since a=b, a-b=0 and zero cannot be divided by the Left-hand side and the Right-hand side of an equation, no can zero can be cancelled on both the sides. This may result in absurd conclusions like 10=100, 500=1000 etc.
Only when the the two sides of an equation are divided by a non-zero entity, can they be equal.

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It appears to me that if one wants to make progress in mathematics, one should study the masters and not the pupils. - Niels Henrik Abel.

Nothing is better than reading and gaining more and more knowledge - Stephen William Hawking.