B 1 = -1, which part of this proof is wrong?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a flawed proof that incorrectly equates 1 to -1 using square roots. The error occurs in the assumption that the square root of a product equals the product of the square roots, which is valid for real numbers but not for complex numbers. Specifically, the transition from √((-1)(-1)) to √(-1)·√(-1) is where the proof fails. Participants emphasize that 1 and -1 are not the same, reinforcing the need for careful handling of complex numbers in mathematical proofs. The thread highlights the importance of understanding the properties of square roots in different number systems.
Byeonggon Lee
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Of course 1 isn't same as -1.
This proof must be wrong but I can't find which part of this proof is wrong.
Could you help me with this problem?
(1)$$1 = \sqrt{1}$$
(2)$$= \sqrt{(-1)(-1)}$$
(3)$$= \sqrt{(-1)} \cdot i$$
(4)$$= i \cdot i$$
$$=-1$$
 
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Would you like better to start with i^2+1=0 ?
 
Byeonggon Lee said:
Of course 1 isn't same as -1.
This proof must be wrong but I can't find which part of this proof is wrong.
Could you help me with this problem?
(1)$$1 = \sqrt{1}$$
(2)$$= \sqrt{(-1)(-1)}$$
(3)$$= \sqrt{(-1)} \cdot i$$
(4)$$= i \cdot i$$
$$=-1$$
Read this insight article by @micromass : https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/things-can-go-wrong-complex-numbers/
 
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Likes Demystifier
In the transition between the second line, = \sqrt{(-1)(-1)}, and the third line, = \sqrt{-1}\cdot i you are assuming that \sqrt{ab}= \sqrt{a}\cdot \sqrt{b}. That is true for real numbers but not for general complex numbers.
 
##1=\sqrt{1}##
##=\sqrt{(-1)(-1)}##
##=\sqrt{-1}\cdot\sqrt{-1}##
##=i^2##
##=-1##
 
Deepak suwalka said:
##1=\sqrt{1}##
##=\sqrt{(-1)(-1)}##
##=\sqrt{-1}\cdot\sqrt{-1}##
##=i^2##
##=-1##
You are just repeating what others have pointed out to be wrong.
 
In a thread that is 7 months old.
 
And for an OP who has not been here since posting the question.
 
LCKurtz said:
In a thread that is 7 months old.
sorry
 
  • #10
Deepak suwalka said:
sorry

It's ok.
 

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