Did You Know That 1 = 2

I know it sounds impossible, that 1 = 2, but here is "proof":

a = b
multiply each side by a
a2 = ab
subtract b2 from each side
a2 - b2 = ab - b2
factor
(a+b)(a-b)=b(a-b)
divide each side by (a-b)
a+b=b
if a = 1 then b = 1, because a = b (see above)
so, if a + b = b, then 1 + 1 = 1, or 2 = 1
QED

Ten points to the best answer explaining what is wrong with this "proof"

Your final step., dividing by a - b, is undefined, because that is division by 0

FLAWED STEP: divide each side by (a-b), since a-b = 0 (because a = b)

This is the same as saying:
4*0 = 2*0 (this is true since 0 = 0)
Therefore, 4 = 2

Perhaps this allows you to see the fallacy your "proof"

a = b
multiply each side by a
a2 = ab
subtract b2 from each side
a2 - b2 = ab - b2
factor
(a+b)(a-b)=b(a-b)
divide each side by (a-b) ...

NOPE! Can't do that. a=b so a-b = 0, and you can't divide by 0. That's always the flaw in this sort of "proof."

Your proof is wrong for reasons stated above. But food for thought, it is possible to make 1=2 if you tinker around with what set of numbers you are using. :)

a = b

So a - b = a - a = 0

Step 4: Divide Each side by (a - b).

But a - b = 0. And you can't divide by zero.

Hence, proof is flawed.

Easy. If a=b then (a-b)=0, so "divide each side by (a-b)" in line 8 is impossible.

I do now


http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…

a-b = 0

There is no b2 on either side, so you cant subtract it.

Yes when 2 person like u is in front of me and 1 person like me in front of u for fight....then there is absolutely 1=2.