2 = 1????

I'm sure many of you have seen this proof, back in school, but I just recently had it shown to me and rather enjoyed it. Props to the person who can disprove the proof!

If a = x , and a = 1 the x = 1. So...

a + a = a + x
simplified
2a = a + x
2a - 2x = a + x - 2x
simplified
2(a-x) = a + x - 2x
2(a-x) = a-x
2(a-x)/(a-x) = (a-x)/(a-x)
2=1

Originally posted by King Tiger
I'm sure many of you have seen this proof, back in school, but I just recently had it shown to me and rather enjoyed it. Props to the person who can disprove the proof!

If a = x , and a = 1 the x = 1. So...

a + a = a + x
simplified
2a = a + x
2a - 2x = a + x - 2x
simplified
2(a-x) = a + x - 2x
2(a-x) = a-x
2(a-x)/(a-x) = (a-x)/(a-x)
[b]2=1[/b]

Oh no, you broke the universe.

I remember having this shown to me when I was in primary school. I was stumped. Neat little trick if you're not very good with division.

Originally posted by AnomalousCowturd
Oh no, you broke the universe.

I remember having this shown to me when I was in primary school. I was stumped. Neat little trick if you're not very good with division.

Ah yes,... division by zero! I must shamefully say I missed that little tid bit of information.

Yes, the last step, divides by zero-undefined. Or really, the entire expression as last shown is an indeterminate form. Can't be done.