joi, 30 decembrie 2010

Example of wrong proof

Example of wrong proof
Find a mistake in the following chain of arguments, pretending to prove that 2=1
1)
Let a = b
2) Multiply 1) by a
a2 = ab
3) Add a2 – 2ab to both parts of 2)
a2 + a2 – 2ab = ab + a2 – 2ab
4) 3) could be simplified:
2a2 – 2ab = a2 – ab
5) It is the same as
2(a2 – ab) = 1(a2 – ab)
6) Reduce 5) by (a2 – ab).
2=1
Where is a mistake?
Mistake is in the 6th step.
We can not divide by (a2 – ab) because a2– ab = 0.
a = b, so a2– ab = 0.

Niciun comentariu: