Question

Math Fallacy: For fun !! First one to find why this is impossible gets a cool medal !!

1. Let a and b be equal non-zero quantities

a = b

2. Multiply through by a

a^2 = ab

3. Subtract b^2

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

4. Factor both sides

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

5. Divide out (a - b)

a + b = b

6. Observing that a = b

b + b = b

7. Combine like terms on the left

2b = b

8. Divide by the non-zero b

2 = 1

Answer 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_fallacy#Division_by_zero

Answer 2

copied

Answer 3

cheater. No medal for you. LOL

Answer 4

I didn't feel like typing it all out myself

Answer 5

geez isn't this obvious

Answer 6

a=b so you cant divide by a-b

Answer 7

if a=b, u cannot divide out by (a-b)
as it is 0.

Answer 8

cuz u're dividing by 0... these "fun" riddles are boring

Answer 9

@bahrom7893 dont run on that thats copy of wiki

Answer 10

uhm, no this is old school.. somewhat

Answer 11

ive seen this about 6-7 yrs ago

Answer 12

@bahrom7893 we can't all be as smart as you.

Answer 13

not saying im smart, just saying this is an overused riddle, and not really entertaining for math majors..

Answer 14

but ok.. im leaving lol

Answer 15

question posted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_fallacy#Division_by_zero

Answer 16

I found it interesting sorry to bore everyone. Thought I'd share

Answer 17

its good that u shared, if u find such other things, feel free to share with us, we'd like to know......