1 dollar = 100 cents = 10 cents * 10 cents = 1/10 dollar * 1/10 dollar = 1/100 dollar = 1 cent

Here is the proof that 1 dollar = 1 cent. Is there an error in my calculations?

It helps to look at the problem like this:

1 dollar = 100 cents
= 10 cents * 10 cents
= 1/10 dollar * 1/10 dollar
= 1/100 dollar
= 1 cent

Whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must also do to the other side. The terms dollars and cents are irrelevant. It's the math that counts! When going from "10 cents * 10 cents" to "1/10 dollar * 1/10 dollar," you have divided one side of the equation by 100. (10/100 = 1/10) You must also divide the other side of the equation by 100. (1 dollar/100 = 1 cent) Thus, your final line would not read 1 dollar = 1 cent, but 1 cent = 1 cent.

Posted by Amy on 2003-05-04 14:07:17