Math Is Fun Forum

  Discussion about math, puzzles, games and fun.   Useful symbols: ÷ × ½ √ ∞ ≠ ≤ ≥ ≈ ⇒ ± ∈ Δ θ ∴ ∑ ∫ • π ƒ -¹ ² ³ °

You are not logged in.

#1 2006-02-24 03:14:08

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...

Offline

#2 2006-02-24 03:56:31

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?


"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..."

Offline

#3 2006-02-24 03:57:36

Jai Ganesh
Administrator
Registered: 2005-06-28
Posts: 45,969

Re: Mathematical proof 2=1

Good, you know where the problem lies up
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.


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.

Offline

Board footer

Powered by FluxBB