Link to little strange Proof it fooled me

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a visual "proof" that claims to show 64 equals 65, which participants find misleading. The scope includes conceptual analysis of mathematical proofs and visual representations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the pieces in the rearrangement do not fit together properly due to the diagonal not being a true line, suggesting a mathematical flaw.
  • Another participant expresses amusement at the proof, indicating familiarity with similar concepts.
  • A different participant acknowledges having seen the idea before but appreciates the animation's presentation.
  • One participant highlights a subtle numerical difference between 0.4 and 0.375, implying a deeper mathematical nuance.
  • Another participant recalls a different proof involving right angles that also relies on visual representation, indicating a pattern of confusion in such proofs.
  • A participant mentions having been misled by a similar problem in the past, which helped them identify the flaw in the current proof.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple views on the validity of the proof and its presentation remain, with some finding it amusing while others point out its flaws.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the visual aspects of mathematical proofs and the subtleties involved in interpreting them, indicating a need for careful analysis.

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Link to little strange "Proof" it fooled me

It is called 64=65.

http://www.blessa.com/64-equals-65.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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You probably don't notice it but the pieces actually don't fit together when you rearrange them (because the diagonal in the rectangle (the new figure) is not really a line). It is very subtle but if you do the math, you'll see what I mean. Don't just trust in what you see.
 
Yes, had a good laugh when I 1st saw this.
 
While I've seen this idea before, that was a cute little animation. Thanks.
 
Ah, the difference between 0.4 and 0.375... so close, yet so far.

- Warren
 
there is also a nice proof that all angles are right angles that I have always been puzzled by, that depends on a picture. I never can recall how it goes.
 
I was fooled by a similar problem awhile back, so it was easy to spot the flaw in this one. That and the gap between purported straight lines was larger.
 

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