Question

Maths Magic Riddle
I can prove why 1 = 2 Step1. Lets say y = x Step2. Multiply through by x xy = x2 Step3. Subtract y2 from each side xy - y2 = x2 - y2 Step4. Factor each side y(x-y) = (x+y)(x-y) Step5. Divide both sides by (x-y) y = x+y Step6. Divide both sides by y y/y = x/y + y/y Step7. And so... 1 = x/y + 1 Step8. Since x=y, x/y = 1 1 = 1 + 1 Step9. And so... 1 = 2 How is this possible ?

Answer 1

Step 5 is invalid, because we are dividing by (x-y), and since x=y, we are thus dividing by 0. This is an invalid mathematical operation (division by 0), and so by not following basic mathematical rules