You may have seen this one before

Posted on November 21, 2008 by Len

If a = b

a^2 = ab
a^2 – b^2 = ab – b^2

Factorise to give

(a – b) (a + b) = b (a – b)

Common factor on each side cancels to give

a + b = b

Since a = b

b + b = b
2b = b
2 = 1

And the universe implodes

About Len

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This entry was posted in General lols and tagged 2=1, fallacy, maths, proof. Bookmark the permalink.

paulmh_5 says:

November 21, 2008 at 9:51 am

Oh noes!!! Stop destroying the universe.
DQ says:

November 21, 2008 at 5:44 pm

LEN

get a life!
Adam says:

November 21, 2008 at 11:38 pm

that’s actually just been on my university maths coursework….we had to point out where it is wrong….obviously once you’ve factorised and you then divide both sides by (a-b) you’re actually DIVIDING BY ZERO!!!!!! NOES!!!!
rat_attack says:

November 22, 2008 at 1:02 am

Oh God, this is like I’m re-living the trauma of A-level maths again. I can’t cope with that. Bring back the LolCats, please.

Thanks for making me feel stupid and unlearned.
Len says:

November 22, 2008 at 4:32 am

No problem!

And yes it is a severe case of divide by zero syndrome lol.