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A flawed proof? (Posted on 2002-12-20) Difficulty: 2 of 5
Given: a=b. Applying some basic identity transformations, we get:
       a=b
       a^2-ab=a^2-b^2
       a(a-b)=(a+b)(a-b)
       a=a+b
       a=a+a
       a=2a
       1=2
With such a proof, we can show that 1=2, pi=E, 10000000000000=1, etc.... Can you spot the flaw?

See The Solution Submitted by phil    
Rating: 2.9167 (12 votes)

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Solution Solution | Comment 11 of 13 |
a=b.
therefore we cannot cancel (a-b) on both sides as it amounts to 0 which can't be cancelled
  Posted by rajesh on 2003-06-30 21:11:55
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