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I saw a proof for $4=5$, which is quite simple.

It starts with $$20 - 20 = 25 - 25 \tag1$$

$$\implies 4\cdot(5-5) = 5\cdot(5-5) \tag2$$

Cancelling out $(5-5)$ from both sides:

$$\implies 4 = 5 \tag3$$ Hence proved.

Which step is wrong? All steps seems legitimate.

Blue
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    You can't divide $5 - 5$ ,that is 0, both sides. – Afzal Jul 07 '23 at 10:28
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    Same as https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/2065016/why-if-a-b-then-a-0-is-not-a-correct-statement and linked questions. – Al.G. Jul 07 '23 at 11:30

1 Answers1

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In equation $(3)$, you divided both sides by $(5-5)$, which is equal to $0$, and clearly, you cannot divide by $0$. Hence, equation $(3)$ is illegal and the proof is false.

IraeVid
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