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tw · 09-23-2006, 05:57 PM

How can this be?

Assume that:
a = b
Therefore:
a^2 = ab
a^2 - b^2 = ab - b^2
(a+b)(a-b) = b (a-b)
a+b = b
Since a = b then
2*b = b
2 = 1

The riddle (a mathematical joke) was provided by EE Times. Yes, a simple algebraic flaw exists. But what is it?

09-23-2006, 05:57 PM	#1
tw Read? I only know how to write. Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 11,933	How can this (math) be? How can this be? Assume that: a = b Therefore: a^2 = ab a^2 - b^2 = ab - b^2 (a+b)(a-b) = b (a-b) a+b = b Since a = b then 2*b = b 2 = 1 The riddle (a mathematical joke) was provided by EE Times. Yes, a simple algebraic flaw exists. But what is it?