Is Math Flawless or Can it be Wrong?

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The discussion centers on the philosophical implications of mathematical truths, particularly the statement "1 + 1 = 0." Participants argue that while mathematics is based on logical axioms, altering these axioms would not change the constants of nature but rather how they are represented. The consensus is that mathematics is a reliable tool for understanding the universe, as it has consistently proven effective in real-world applications, such as physics. Some mention the existence of alternative mathematical systems, like modular arithmetic, where "1 + 1 = 0" can hold true, but emphasize that these are not applicable to everyday situations like financial transactions. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the distinction between mathematics as a logical framework and its application to the physical world.
  • #31
doubleteam9 said:
anyone here heard of modular arithmetic?

Yes, plenty of us. Though how many of the people in the thread that is over two years old still read these posts is another matter entirely. Or indeed so is how many of us who post now were around at the time... Nevermind those around at the time who couldn't be bothered with that thread since answering it would only create more pointless philosophical threads, and there might have been too many of those around...

In short, stop reviving the dead threads!
 
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  • #32
russ_watters said:
Math isn't wrong - it works. You can prove 1+1=2 through experimentation with countless physical processes.

The fact that if you put one apple together with another apple doesn't prove anything about math, there're lot's of places in physics where 1+1 doesn't equal 2, for example:
velocities (relativity)
liquid volumes (1L of water + 1L of oil doesn't equal 2L of water/oil)
thats all i can think of now but i know that there're more.
 

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