Yes, I know, once you math and science whizzes see this, you'll probably think im dumb for even doubting your abilities
still, its worth a try:
Is this problem true or false, and why?
(you can solve it by eucliddean, non-eucliddean, or any type of mathematics, it doesnt matter):
First, the given statement is that A=B
A=B (Given)
A squared = A times B
A squared - B squared = (A times B) - B squared
(A + B) (A - B) = B (A - B)
A + B = B
B + B = B
2B = B
2 = 1
A paradox? Does two equal one?
Is this true or false and why

I'm very poor in math, but I don't think you can cancel out (A-B) like you do in the next step.

re: (after this line...)
(A + B) (A - B) = B (A - B)

~samwik

hahaha...cute..
Here's the problem:
You divide by (A-B) at one step.
If A=B, then A-B is equal to zero.
Division by zero is a no-no!

Not dumb. Inexperienced.

Yes, I know that u can't divide by 0
man, you guys are too good at math, you got me,
i learned that in math so you probably thought it was so elementary,
but i have a question:
what if you can divide by zero? is it possible? that would be weird if you could......
can you? i want to know
thanks

You can no more divide by zero than you can be your own grandmother.

The question has no meaning

Dear Ole Dad had me find the 'magic trick' in this one when I was 9,,, took a few minutes;)

We all know its false.
Because you cannot multiply by Zero ie (A-B)

Uh, yes you can. You just get zero. You can't divide by zero, but you can definitely multiply by it.

Neat little math puzzle.

w

You know, Hitler could not understand the concept of "Zero". He just could not grasp it. I remember seeing an old Documentary that showed Himmler trying to explain it to him. Hitler was all frustrated. This was in 1939. Himmler said, "Look, Adolph, there are 25 million Jews living in Europe. If you were to kill them all you'd have "Zero"." And Hitler said, "Y'know, Heinrich, I still don't know what you're talking about, but I like where you're going..."