It official: 1=2.
And here is the proof...
| (1) X = Y | Given |
| (2) X2 = XY | Multiply both sides by X |
| (3) X2 - Y2 = XY - Y2 | Subtract Y2 from both sides |
| (4) (X+Y)(X-Y) = Y(X-Y) | Factor both sides |
| (5) (X+Y) = Y | Cancel out common factors |
| (6) Y+Y = Y | Substitute in from line (1) |
| (7) 2Y = Y | Collect the Y's |
| (8) 2 = 1 | Divide both sides by Y |
Can you spot the error that has led to this false conclusion?
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