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The following process will prove that 2 = 1. The steps are on this page and the work is
on the second page.
1. Let a and b be two non-zero numbers that are equal. (a = b)
2. Multiply both sides by a.
3. Subtract b2 from both sides.
4. Factor both sides.
5. Divide both sides by (a − b).
6. Since (a = b) substitute in b for a.
7. Combine the like terms on the left hand side.
8. Divide both sides by the non-zero number b.
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This is the work for each step.
1. a = b
2. a2 = ab
3. a2 − b2 = ab − b2
4. (a + b)(a − b) = b(a − b)
5. a + b = b
6. b + b = b
7. 2b = b
8. 2 = 1
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