Three is equal to four
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Theorem: 3=4
Proof:
Suppose:
a + b = c
This can also be written as:
4a - 3a + 4b - 3b = 4c - 3c
After reorganizing:
4a + 4b - 4c = 3a + 3b - 3c
Take the constants out of the brackets:
4 * (a+b-c) = 3 * (a+b-c)
Remove the same term left and right:
4 = 3 -
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Though the error is pretty obvious. -
Ok I dun mean to spoil the fun, but for those who dont noe, in reality, the equation in red cannot be factorised like tat. Don put that into your maths test.Originally posted by eagle:Theorem: 3=4
Proof:
Suppose:
a + b = c
This can also be written as:
4a - 3a + 4b - 3b = 4c - 3c
After reorganizing:
4a + 4b - 4c = 3a + 3b - 3c
Take the constants out of the brackets:
4 * (a+b-c) = 3 * (a+b-c)
Remove the same term left and right:
4 = 3 -
Proof the 1 + 1 = 1
add 1 drop of water to another drop of water and vola you get 1 bigger drop of water -
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Actually, I believe it can. The error should be in the 'Suppose a+b=c' part. You might as well 'Suppose 3=4', saves you the trouble of doing the maths part.Originally posted by ouchtthurt:Ok I dun mean to spoil the fun, but for those who dont noe, in reality, the equation in red cannot be factorised like tat. Don put that into your maths test.
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Oh dear....
The error is because a + b - c = 0. So you have 4 * 0 = 3 * 0. But as everyone know, you cannot cancel away 0 like that. -
I maintain my stand. The error is already made at the 'Suppose a + b - c = 0' part, if you think about it. Further errors arise because of that error. Then again, this is a joke, so don't think too much into it.Originally posted by CoolMyth:The error is because a + b - c = 0. So you have 4 * 0 = 3 * 0. But as everyone know, you cannot cancel away 0 like that. -
Actually the equation in red is fine as you can remove the constant numerical coefficient from the equation. In this case, the LHS is 4: 4(a+b-c) and the RHS is 3: 3(a+b-c).Originally posted by ouchtthurt:Ok I dun mean to spoil the fun, but for those who dont noe, in reality, the equation in red cannot be factorised like tat. Don put that into your maths test.
If I assume what you think is the error, it would be the next step, which is the "division". You cannot "divide" both sides by (a+b-c), with the only way of moving the RHS of the eqn to the LHS, leaving you with this : 4(a+b-c) - 3(a+b-c) = 0 and thus a+b-c = 0, which is back to square one (Re-arranging will get you back to a + b = c of course).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elementary_algebra -
There is actually no error at a + b - c = 0. By its own, its just a simple linear eqn with 3 variables (a,b and c) amounting to 0. For e.g. a = 1, b = 1, c = 2, therefore a + b - c = 0. The error/humor lies in the way that the joke attempts to solve the eqn by dividing away the variables and associating the final answer with a ludicrous assumption: 3=4.Originally posted by JerzZzzZ:I maintain my stand. The error is already made at the 'Suppose a + b - c = 0' part, if you think about it. Further errors arise because of that error. Then again, this is a joke, so don't think too much into it.
Simpler form of the joke, Three is equal to four:
I.e. 3x = 4x. "Remove the same term left and right", which in this case is "X", divide both sides by "X" and therefore 3 = 4? -
And that is why I said the error was in a+b-c=0, because you can 'suppose' anything. Okay, maybe error is the wrong word.Originally posted by Paradise Lost:Simpler form of the joke, Three is equal to four:
I.e. 3x = 4x. "Remove the same term left and right", which in this case is "X", divide both sides by "X" and therefore 3 = 4?
Theorem: CoolMyth is a princess.
Suppose: CoolMyth's mother is a queen.
Queen's daughter = princess.
Therefore, CoolMyth = princess.
The 'suppose' part is the key to the 'joke'.
(apologies if coolmyth is a he, just replace princess with prince, mother with father, and queen with king. ) -
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Post a joke only also so many comments -
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Strictly speaking, it's an understanding of mathematical stuff. Not really a joke as in the funny kind of joke.Originally posted by eagle:..................
Post a joke only also so many comments -
But you have to "suppose" a + b - c = 0 as far as solving algebra is concerned.Originally posted by JerzZzzZ:And that is why I said the error was in a+b-c=0, because you can 'suppose' anything. Okay, maybe error is the wrong word.
Theorem: CoolMyth is a princess.
Suppose: CoolMyth's mother is a queen.
Queen's daughter = princess.
Therefore, CoolMyth = princess.
The 'suppose' part is the key to the 'joke'.
(apologies if coolmyth is a he, just replace princess with prince, mother with father, and queen with king. )
The word "suppose" is used for structuring basic algebraic questions as it is assumed for the designs and purpose of the very question, in question, and to disassociate the assumptions in the question with what is defined. (I.e. a + b - c = 0 exists in the question, but not for ALL cases outside the question, therefore the word "suppose" is used) It is merely a linguistic structure to frame most algebraic questions that you see nowadays, so it can't be a 'joke' per say.
For your example (princess and queen), the word "suppose" is indeed what you say it is (the jist of the joke), and I get your point.
Eagle: Sorry to hijack your thread but I have too much free time on this fine Sunday afternoon. Glad to find JerzZzzZ to discuss whats the jist of the joke. -
Haiz guess this maths expert explain everything to you all...
4a - 3a + 4b - 3b = 4c - 3c
is wrong... that is not even a question.
a(4-3)+ b(4-3)-c(4-3)= 0
(a+b-c)(4-3)=0
a+b-c=0
as 4-3 is not 0...
so a+b=c is the answer for this question. -
ccb...such jokes ah
A chemistry professor couldn't resist interjecting a little philosophy into a class lecture. He interrupted his discussion on balancing chemical equations, saying, "Remember, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate!"
One day on the Tonight Show, Jay Leno showed a classified add that read: "Do you have mole problems? If so, call Avogadro at 602-1023." -
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OK PL, gosh you really did your hmwk! Are you a maths enthusiast?
Haha, yea well, I guess tis thread really exposed the human nature. Why are we trying to make sense of sth which makes no sense?
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I guess what your asking is exactly the very trait that makes us human: Trying to explain/make sense of things that seems/is ridiculous/unexplainable.Originally posted by ouchtthurt:OK PL, gosh you really did your hmwk! Are you a maths enthusiast?
Haha, yea well, I guess tis thread really exposed the human nature. Why are we trying to make sense of sth which makes no sense? -
In accounting there is 1 + 1 = 3.
The synergy of product. -
You see, in Algebra, they give you a problem. From the problem, you can assume a + b = c, for a reason.Originally posted by Paradise Lost:But you have to "suppose" a + b - c = 0 as far as solving algebra is concerned.
The word "suppose" is used for structuring basic algebraic questions as it is assumed for the designs and purpose of the very question, in question, and to disassociate the assumptions in the question with what is defined. (I.e. a + b - c = 0 exists in the question, but not for ALL cases outside the question, therefore the word "suppose" is used) It is merely a linguistic structure to frame most algebraic questions that you see nowadays, so it can't be a 'joke' per say.
For your example (princess and queen), the word "suppose" is indeed what you say it is (the jist of the joke), and I get your point.
Eagle: Sorry to hijack your thread but I have too much free time on this fine Sunday afternoon. Glad to find JerzZzzZ to discuss whats the jist of the joke.
I.e. They say, James gave an unknown amount of apple to Jeremy, so did Jane.
By letting amt of apples James and Jane gave be 'a' and 'b' respectively, and amt of apples Jeremy received be 'c', we can assume a + b = c. But in this case, the assumption is baseless, and you cannot proceed to solve an equation you just made up from nowhere.
An even shorter form of the 'joke' --> Suppose 3 = 4. Tata. The mathematical part is just there to confuse the mind and makes it actually -appear- logical. Which I suppose is what makes up the 'joke'. But the catch of the joke is at the 'suppose' step. -
Jerzz, the eqn a + b - c = 0 does not need a base/question/story per say in order to "mean something". By itself, in its raw form if you may, its just simply 3 variables (a, b and c) amounting to a value of 0. Perhaps due to the systematic mathematical education of our Singaporean education, it has lead most of us to attribute Algebra solely to its APPLICATION without appreciating its fundamental qualities. To quote an article in Wikipedia regarding Algebra:Originally posted by JerzZzzZ:You see, in Algebra, they give you a problem. From the problem, you can assume a + b = c, for a reason.
I.e. They say, James gave an unknown amount of apple to Jeremy, so did Jane.
By letting amt of apples James and Jane gave be 'a' and 'b' respectively, and amt of apples Jeremy received be 'c', we can assume a + b = c. But in this case, the assumption is baseless, and you cannot proceed to solve an equation you just made up from nowhere.
"... While in arithmetic only numbers and their arithmetical operations (such as +, - , ×, ÷) occur, in algebra one also uses symbols (such as x and y, or a and b) to denote numbers. These are called variables. This is useful because:
* It allows the generalization of arithmetical equations (and inequalities) to be stated as laws (such as a + b = b + a for all a and b), and thus is the first step to the systematic study of the properties of the real number system.
* It allows reference to numbers which are not known. In the context of a problem, a variable may represent a certain value of which is uncertain, but may be solved through the formulation and manipulation of equations.
* It allows the exploration of mathematical relationships between quantities (such as "if you sell x tickets, then your profit will be 3x - 10 dollars" )..."
The very basic a + b = c, by itself, may seem "baseless", but in reality, its simply a representation of fixed numbers of figures, governed by Algebraic Laws of equality, that through formulation and manipulation of equations, the solver is able to derive the deterministic value of a, b and c concerning the mathematical study of structure, relation and quantity.
For the sake of the argument and the "jist of the joke", since there isn't any situation/question/problem/story associated with the eqn, simply manipulation of the figures, as long as its fulfills the Algebraic Laws of equality, is just fine.
What do I mean by that?
I.e.
Suppose a = b and b = c, then a = c (transitivity of equality).
Suppose a = a (reflexivity of equality).
Suppose a = b then b = a (symmetry of equality).
Suppose a = b then a + c = b + c for any c (addition property of equality).
Suppose a = b then ac = bc for any c (multiplication property of equality).
Suppose two symbols are equal, then one can be substituted for the other at will (substitution principle).
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I can go on and on, but thats besides the point. The fact is that any Algebraic eqn is forever hold true, as long as it is constructed and manipulated under the Algebraic Laws of equality, even though the end result of the manipulation does not necessarily solve the deterministic values of the eqn.
No doubt it might initially appear "baseless" and IS indeed formed from nowhere, it does not necessarily make it unsolvable just because of the word "Suppose".Originally posted by eagle:Theorem: 3=4
Proof:
Suppose:
a + b = c
.
.
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Take the constants out of the brackets:
4 * (a+b-c) = 3 * (a+b-c)
Remove the same term left and right:
4 = 3
Now, the fallacy and ultimately the "jist" of the joke is NOT caused by the word SUPPOSE but rather, the operation of dividing both sides by (a+b-c) goes directly against the basic Algebraic Laws of equality! With the "bastardized" end result of 5=4, the joke proceeds to conclude that 5 does indeed equal to 4, even after going through a series of meaningful Algebraic manipulation which ultimately went wrong at the illegal division operation.Originally posted by JerzZzzZ:And that is why I said the error was in a+b-c=0, because you can 'suppose' anything. Okay, maybe error is the wrong word.
And that, my friend, is what makes this all "funny".
Edit: Typos.