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This step is not the source of the fallacy.

This follows from the previous step (2 a^2 = a^2 + ab) by subtracting 2ab from both sides.

If two numbers are equal, and you subtract the same number from both of them, the differences will be equal as well.


Why don't you go back to the list of steps in the proof and see if you can identify which one is wrong, now that you know it isn't this one?
This page last updated: May 26, 1998
Original Web Site Creator / Mathematical Content Developer: Philip Spencer
Current Network Coordinator and Contact Person: Joel Chan - mathnet@math.toronto.edu

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