I'm posting one puzzle, riddle, math, or statistical problem a day. Try to answer each one and post your answers in the comments section. I'll post the answer the next day. Even if you have the same answer as someone else, feel free to put up your answer, too!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
What Went Wrong?
In case you don't know: i = √-1
-1 = -1 -1/1 = -1/1 -1/1 = 1/-1 √(-1/1) = √(1/-1) i/1 = 1/i i = 1/i i * i = 1 -1 = 1
the magic happened in the transition from line 4 to line 5. on the right side, you made a form of √(-1) to be equal to 1/i, which is, by definition, -√(-1). so, essentially, you created a negative sign right there. anyway, I'm not sure why the rules of fractions and radicals wouldn't apply to i in that case, though...nice trick.
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yes, i is a tricky number (i am a tricky number?)
ReplyDeletethe magic happened in the transition from line 4 to line 5. on the right side, you made a form of √(-1) to be equal to 1/i, which is, by definition, -√(-1). so, essentially, you created a negative sign right there. anyway, I'm not sure why the rules of fractions and radicals wouldn't apply to i in that case, though...nice trick.
I knew you would like it Abe. ;-)
ReplyDelete