how to make 2=1, and show that any number =0

[thrashaholic]

a = 1, b = 1, therefore a = b = 1

so

a^2 - b^2 = a^2 - ab

we can then factorise

(a+b)(a-b) = a(a-b)

here we can cancel the (a-b) either side of the bracket, so

a+b = a

so

2 = 1

one can also cancel in the a+b = a equation and leave us with:

1 = 0

from this one can show that any number is equal to zero.

...and who said algebra wasn't fun http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

In truth this doesn't work really, so I haven't brought down all of maths, a drink to whoever can figure out why it doesn't (I know why btw).

[Ronin]

Quote[/b] ]...and who said algebra wasn't fun

In truth this doesn't work really, so I haven't brought down all of maths, a drink to whoever can figure out why it doesn't (I know why btw).
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-inquisitive.gif



you really have too much time on your hands my friend http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[thrashaholic]

Quote[/b] (Ronin @ June 24 2004,10:38)]
Quote[/b] ]...and who said algebra wasn't fun

In truth this doesn't work really, so I haven't brought down all of maths, a drink to whoever can figure out why it doesn't (I know why btw).
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-inquisitive.gif



you really have too much time on your hands my friend http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif
Well I have been doing exams for the past two months, I had to find something to do other than revising. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

[Somebody Else]

We've been through all this already I believe...

A Question of Intuition thread (http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=6;t=18790)

But in future, don't divide by zero. It's naughty.

[BDC]

The first bit is wrong.

[barocca]

Quote[/b] (thrashaholic @ June 24 2004,04:14)]a^2 - b^2 = a^2 - ab

we can then factorise

(a+b)(a-b) = a(a-b)
this bit is an error

a^2 is a x a
b^2 is b x b


thus a^2 - b^2 = a^2 - ab
can also be written as
(a x a) - (b x b) = (a x a) - (a x b)

so where does the plus sign when you factorise come from??
(a+b)(a-b) = a(a-b)

B.

[barocca]

Quote[/b] (Somebody Else @ June 24 2004,05:48)]We've been through all this already I believe...

A Question of Intuition thread (http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=6;t=18790)

But in future, don't divide by zero. It's naughty.
divide by zero?

[Rocket_Boy]

Good Christ, that first post gave me a headache. Never make me think again http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/angry.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/angry.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[thrashaholic]

Quote[/b] (barocca @ June 24 2004,13:50)]
Quote[/b] (thrashaholic @ June 24 2004,04:14)]a^2 - b^2 = a^2 - ab

we can then factorise

(a+b)(a-b) = a(a-b)
this bit is an error

a^2 is a x a
b^2 is b x b


thus a^2 - b^2 = a^2 - ab
can also be written as
(a x a) - (b x b) = (a x a) - (a x b)

so where does the plus sign when you factorise come from??
(a+b)(a-b) = a(a-b)

B.
if we multiply out (a+b)(a-b) we will see...

(a+b)(a-b)= (a x a) + (a x -b) + (b x a) + (b x -b)

so, we have

a^2 - ab + ab - b^2

ab-ab = 0, so we can simplify to a^2 - b^2


Oh, and Somebody Else has got why it doesn't really work correct, one has to divide by zero when cancelling, which is impossible...

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/medievalcheers.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/barrel.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/medievalcheers.gif

[Rufus]

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/frown.gif I was told there'd be no math involved in this debate ...

Bonus points to whoever can cite the origin of this obscure comedy reference

[Kraellin]

actually, math does break down quite badly in light of physics, which ironically, relies heavily on math. one + one can never equal two and i'll let you think on that one for a while ;)

K.