Algebra trick
This actually bugged me for 10 minutes or so before I figured it out. Anyone not falling into the same trap as me?
x^2-x^2 = x^2-x^2
x(x-x) = (x+x)(x-x)
x = (x+x)
x = 2x
1 = 2
x^2-x^2 = x^2-x^2
x(x-x) = (x+x)(x-x)
x = (x+x)
x = 2x
1 = 2
Comments
As I recall, this catches a good number of people.
Please explain this as its bugging the shit out of me.
I would read it as 1=1 but.... Its not?
I love unintentional humour. tyvm
This is the reason.
The original equation is 0=0, which then gets factored to 0x=0x^2. You could put any number on either side and the equation would remain true.
ie,
1000000*(0)=1*(0)
But then in the last step you divide both sides by 0, which isn't allowed. 1000000 != 1.
this step x(x-x) = (x+x)(x-x)
to this step x = (x+x)
You can't just divide both sides by (x-x).....you would have to take limits.
that's the way most proofs start <.<
doesn't x(x-x) = x(0) = 0, not 'x'?
doesn't '-x^2' = -(x+x), not *(x-x)?
therefore 0=0??
yes, unless you divide by zero.
no, that's not even close