Want to see something strange? Look at this.
a - b = 2
( a - b )^2 = 2^2 = 4
a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = 4
a^2 + b^2 = 4 + 2ab
Look good so far? Lets try substituting some variables in for a and b. Say, 4 and 2.
(4)^2 + (2)^2 = 4 + 2(4)(2)
20 = 20
Seems to add up. Now lets try it with a larger number for a. I’ll use 1002. b remains set at 2.
(1002)^2 + (2)^2 = 4+2(1002)(2)
1004008 = 4012
Ack! Math is broken!
Seriously, it took me like half an hour to figure this one out today. And it’s a review question from like three years ago. I think I need more sleep. Or to pay more attention. One of the two.
Hello. Came to ur blog tru some of ur comments on raining-noodles.
Anyway….it a=1002 and b=2 then a-b in not equal to 4 [first eqn], so how can u use the eqn?
Or am i wrong somewhere?
Yeah, that’s it. I got so engrossed with the thing that I forgot the first equation, I literally did not write it down. Pretty stupid, eh?