Thread: I Can Prove That 2 + 2 = 5, And I Will!

Originally Posted by Xnyper

There is indeed a proof out there that seems to prove that 2 + 2 = 5, and it is not about rounding. Whenever anything is rounded you need to accept a degree of error within your answer, in this case that degree of error is 1.

I'll admit that I didn't see the satire at first (though if I had gotten here through the forum, instead of a wayward search, I'd like to think that I would have gotten it).

But, I started this post with the intent of showing you how its done... and though I see the futility, I plan to follow through. The said proof goes like this:

two variables are set equal
X = Y
Add X to both sides
X + X = Y + X
Simplify
2X = X + Y
subtract 2Y from both sides
2X - 2Y = X + Y - 2Y
simplify
2X-2Y = X - Y
Factor
2(X - Y) = 1(X - Y)
Devide both sides by (X - Y)
2 = 1
Add 1 to both sides
3 = 2
Add 2 to both sides
5 = 2 + 2
[/b]

No, thats a common mistake.

two variables are set equal
X = Y 1=1
Add X to both sides
X + X = Y + X 1+1 = 1+1
Simplify
2X = X + Y 2(1)=1+1
subtract 2Y from both sides
2X - 2Y = X + Y - 2Y 2(1)-2(1) = 1 + 1 - 2(1)
simplify
2X-2Y = X - Y 2(1)-2(1) = 1 - 1
Factor
2(X - Y) = 1(X - Y) 2(1-1)=1(1-1)

Meaing:
2(0)=1(0)
0=0
[/b]

Originally Posted by ExoByte

No, thats a common mistake.
[/b]

Captain Obvious to the rescue!

EDIT: Captain Spelling to the rescue rescue!

I've seen a much simpler "proof" of 2 = 1, but I think it most likely revolves around the same idea. (I feel sad when people actually believe it, though).

Also your elipson (or whatever that symbol was meant to be) appears as the Yen symbol. I like the Yen symbol, though, so it's okay.

Also your elipson (or whatever that symbol was meant to be) appears as the Yen symbol. I like the Yen symbol, though, so it's okay.[/b]

Yeah, I had to jump through some hoops to get it to display the infinity symbol, but I guess I ruined compatibility by doing so, still... works for my computer. And in my head that's all that matters.

How would that parallel the points being satirized, if I were into that sort of thing?[/b]

Grr, you raise a good point. My eagerness to demonstrate math prowess makes me a dumbass, how's that for irony...

I see two apples.
I see two more apples.
I see four apples.


...

Math is weird, ¿no?

Originally Posted by Arachanox

I see two apples.
I see two more apples.
I see four apples.
[/b]

That's eight apples. I mean... nine apples.

Your avatars color is off...

Originally Posted by ExoByte

Your avatars color is off...
[/b]

I'd fix it if I wasn't too lazy XD