AoPSWiki
Try our innovative online adaptive learning system, Alcumus.
Over 1100 problems and 60+ video lessons. FREE!

Fallacious proof/All numbers are equal

From AoPSWiki

It does not follow in general from x^2 = y^2 that x = y. Instead, we have either that x = y or x = -y. In the given situation, we have that a - \frac{t}{2} = \frac{a - b}{2} = -\left(\frac{b - a}{2}\right) = - \left(b - \frac{t}{2}\right), and so this was the fallacious step.

Back to main article

Looking for a challenging algebra text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams?
Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Algebra by Richard Rusczyk.
© Copyright 2008 AoPS Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. • FoundationPrivacyContact Us