Did You Know That… 2=1?

No, this is not a commercial of any kind (trying to convince you that if you buy 1 you will get 2)! This is just a mathematical proof that 2=1. I remember that my math teacher in high school first showed me this. I was quite impressed! A few days ago I randomly encountered the proof and recalled it. Here it is:

X = Y
X*X = Y*X                 ; Multiply by X
X*X-Y*Y = Y*X-Y*Y         ; Subtract Y*Y from both sides
(X-Y)*(X+Y) = Y*(X-Y)     ; Some standard conversions
X+Y = Y                   ; Cancel out (X-Y)
2*X = X                   ; Use that X = Y
2 = 1                     ; Divide both sides by X

Are you convinced now? 😉

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Valentin

Latest posts by Valentin (see all)

• The Mathemagician on Why Math Matters (and Other Cool Ideas) - January 29, 2010
• Did You Know That… 2=1? - November 18, 2008
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