You may have seen this one before
November 21st, 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
Tags: 2=1, fallacy, maths, proof
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on Friday, November 21st, 2008 at 2:50 am and is filed under General lols.
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Oh noes!!! Stop destroying the universe.
LEN
get a life!
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!!!!
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.
No problem!
And yes it is a severe case of divide by zero syndrome lol.