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Friday, February 18, 2005

Someone at work showed me this. Using the laws of algebra it can be shown that 2 = 1. Can you find the flaw? ;)

a = b

a + a = a + b

2a = a + b

2a - 2b = a + b - 2b

2(a - b) = a + b - 2b

2(a - b) = (a - b)

2 = 1

does 'a' equal 2 and 'b' equal 1

By Anonymous, at March 03, 2005 5:12 PM
No. a = b So, if a = 1, then b = 1. If b = 2, then a = 2.

By Katharsis, at March 11, 2005 10:00 AM
Yeah, basically, it's the divide by zero error. The point is to show that, while a math problem can work in theory, it may not work in reality.

Here's what I'm getting at. Variables are relative and can mean anything. This is similar to the whole "moral relativity" concept. However, when you introduce REAL numbers into the equation, suddenly you're faced with something that doesn't work in reality. There are certain laws that must be followed, or there will be no solution and just nonsense. I pray what I'm trying to say is clear.

By Katharsis, at April 27, 2005 6:21 PM