How is this possible ?

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I can prove why 1 = 2

* Lets say y = x
* Multiply through by x xy = x2
* Subtract y2 from each side xy – y2 = x2 – y2
* Factor each side y(x-y) = (x+y)(x-y)
* Divide both sides by (x-y) y = x+y
* Divide both sides by y y/y = x/y + y/y
* And so… 1 = x/y + 1
* Since x=y, x/y = 1 1 = 1 + 1
* And so… 1 = 2

How is this possible ?

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  • 1 Answer(s)

    Step 5 is invalid, because we are dividing by (x-y), and since x=y, we are thus dividing by 0. This is an invalid mathematical operation (division by 0), and so by not following basic mathematical rules

    anikam Expert Answered on 24th August 2015.
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