Difference between revisions of "Proof that 2=1"

Revision as of 13:16, 27 January 2020

1) $a = b$ . Given.

2) $a^2 = ab$ . Multiply both sides by a.

3) $a^2-b^2 = ab-b^2$ . Subtract $b^2$ from both sides.

4) $(a+b)(a-b) = b(a-b)$ . Factor both sides.

5) $(a+b) = b$ . Divide both sides by $(a-b)$

6) $a+a = a$ . Substitute $a$ for $b$ .

7) $2a = a$ . Addition.

8) $2 = 1$ . Divide both sides by $a$ .

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 ) <math>(a+b)(a-b) = b(a-b)</math>.  Factor both sides.
-) <math>(a+b) = b</math>. Add both sides by <math>(a-b)</math>
+) <math>(a+b) = b</math>. Divide both sides by <math>(a-b)</math>
 ) <math>a+a = a</math>.  Substitute <math>a</math> for <math>b</math>.