why is it that two equals one?

Question

X^2 - X^2 = X^2 - X^2

a little rearrange

(X+X)(X-X)= X(X-X)

divide out the common term
X+X = X

let X =1

and then

2 = 1

iceman · Accepted Answer

Dude please.

0 = 0, right.

gm · Answer

The problem happens after the equation is rearranged.

(X+X)(X-X) = X(X-X)

The common term is (X-X).  However, (X-X) equals zero.  Division by zero is not allowed, so the common term cannot be divided out.

Therefore the line X+X=X is not correct.  And, 2 does not equal 1.

Anonymous · Answer

(x+x)*(x-x) is not equal to x*(x-x) but it is equal to x^2-x^2+x^2-x^2, which is equal to 0 
because
if  x = 1
 1^2 - 1^2 + 1^2 - 1^2 = 1 - 1 + 1 - 1 = 0 + 0 = 0

Anonymous · Answer

In the second line (X-X)=0 so dividing by anything is meaningless.

? · Answer

you didnt rearrange it right. you added x+x to one side and then only x to the other. you should do the same to both sides in every algebraic equation

hope this helps & have a great day!!! :D

Jessie L. · Answer

your second step is wrong, -x^2 cant be rearranged into (x-x) and x^2 cant be (x+x)

spiffin456 · Answer

This proof is wrong, because X - X is zero and you cannot divide by zero.

a_nobody · Answer

you boogered up on your rearrange part, squaring involves multiplication of X, we can't use repeated addition

Jake Weber · Answer

common sense

why is it that two equals one?

9 Answers