Hey math majors!

Jmcatch742 · 08-02-2005, 06:24 PM

Well, I am currently a sophmore in high school and I truly think that math is pointless. I am so strong about that oppinion that I came up with a theorem that shows that all numbers are equal therefore proving math is retarted.

Check out my formula and tell me if it mathmatically correct, I am still amazed I figured out how to do this.

Code:

a + b = t
(a + b)(a - b) = t(a - b)
a^2 - b^2 = ta - tb
a^2 - ta = b^2 - tb
a^2 - ta + (t^2)/4 = b^2 - tb + (t^2)/4
(a - t/2)^2 = (b - t/2)^2
a - t/2 = b - t/2
a = b

Theorem: All numbers are equal.
Proof: Choose arbitrary a and b, and let t = a + b. Then

So all numbers are the same, and math is pointless.

kencaz · 08-02-2005, 06:30 PM

Hmm, OK, in that case... Give me your 2,500 and I'll trade you my 5... It's all the same right!!!

KC

harken · 08-03-2005, 05:42 AM

I've seen this stuff a long time ago, written in a slightly different form. The error, as far as I remember is here:

Quote:

(a - t/2)^2 = (b - t/2)^2
a - t/2 = b - t/2

You cannot assume directly that, if x^2=y^2, then x=y, simply eliminating the square operand. This happens because of the possible existence of negative solutions to the equation. This can be easily seen if we write

Code:

(-2)^2=(+2)^2=4, but
(-2)!=(+2)

So math does have some point, like it or not (not that I would like it).

theYinYeti · 08-03-2005, 06:52 AM

Indeed, you should have written:

Code:

(a - t/2)^2 = (b - t/2)^2
|a - t/2| = |b - t/2|   (or if you prefer: abs(a-t/2) = abs(b-t/2) )
=> (a - t/2) = (b - t/2) => a = b   (first solution)
OR
=> (a - t/2) = -(b - t/2) => a + b = t   (second (very unexpected :) )solution)

Yves.

amdrake · 08-03-2005, 06:55 AM

Jmcatch742:

You must also think that spell check is pointless.

geeman2.0 · 08-03-2005, 09:48 AM

Hey man, you wouldn't be sitting in front of a computer right now with internet access if it weren't for math

.

Jmcatch742 · 08-04-2005, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by amdrake
Jmcatch742:

You must also think that spell check is pointless.

tru dat

Mr. New · 08-04-2005, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by amdrake
Jmcatch742:

You must also think that spell check is pointless.

He is not the only one. Spell checkers are for l053r5 that can't spell