It’s finally that moment when you can proudly tell him how
2 + 2 = 5
Wondering how? Grab a bowl of nachos as you scroll through the top six ways to prove this seemingly impossible equation.
Method 1:
First, let us solve this strange problem with the simplest possible method.
Let us assume:
0 = 0
Now “0” can result from the subtraction of one number with itself. So, let us assume that the two figures at L.H.S. and R.H.S. are 4, and 10.
Such that.... 4 – 4 = 10 - 10
Where, 4 can be written as 2*2
And 10 can be written as 2*5
Solving the equation further we get,
=> 2²-2² = 2x5 - 2x5
=> (2 - 2)(2 + 2) = 5(2 - 2)
Cancelling (2–2) from both sides we get
=> 2 + 2 = 5 (Hence proved)
Think this method was too plain to convince your professor? Are you looking for something crisper? Don’t worry, have a look at the next method.
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Method 2:
Let’s now try to solve this problem by using a different method. How about tossing in some fractions to make the struggle look more serious?
Let us assume:
-20 = -20 ---------- (1)
Where 20 can also be written as:
=> 16 - 36 and
=> 25 - 45
Now, placing these values in equation (1) we get:
=> 16 - 36 = 25 - 45
Which can also be written as:
=> 42 - 4 x 9 + 81/4 = 52 - 5 x 9 + 81/4
=> 42 - (2 x 4 x 9/2) + (9/2)2 = 52 - (2 x 5 x 9/2) + (9/2)2
=> (4 - 9/2)2 = (5 - 9/2)2
=> (4 - 9/2) = (5 - 9/2)
=> 4 = 5
Which eventually proves:
=> 2 + 2 = 5 (Hence Proved)
Well, even Pythagoras was condemned by few, for saying that the earth is round. It is always good to refer to a new method to prove yourself. So here goes method 3.
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Method 3:
Let us now relate this problem with a real-life example.
According to the given data:
2 + 2=5
Or
4 = 5
Let us suppose you have 4 chocolates and you gave all of them to poor children. Now you have 0 chocolates. When represented mathematically, you can write it as :
=> 4 – 4 = 0
Now, consider your friend has 5 oranges, and he also gives all of them to those children. He also ends up having nothing left with him. Mathematically:
=> 5 – 5 = 0
We can write
=> 0 = 0
=> 4 – 4 = 5 – 5
This can also be written as:
=> 4(1–1) =5(1–1)
=> 4=5((1–1)/(1–1))
=> 4 = 5
OR
=> 2 + 2 = 5
OR
=> 2+2=2+2+1
OR
=> 2+2+1=2+2
Some people are not convinced by digits. So get convinced in angles with Method 4
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Method 4:
Any geometry lovers out there? Here’s the geometrical solution to prove our unusual problem.
Let us suppose, there’s a triangle with AB = 4, AC = 5 and BC = 3.
Construct the angle bisector of ?A and the perpendicular bisector of segment B.C.
Now, in the constructed figure:
AB = 4
AC = 5
So, the angle bisector and perpendicular bisector are not parallel. Hence, they intersect at a point O. Drop perpendiculars OR and OQ to sides A.B. and A.C., respectively. Form segments O.B. and O.C.
Case 1:
AO = AO by reflexivity,
?RAO = ?QAO (AO is an angle bisector)
?ARO = ?AQO (both are right angles)
By A.A.S. congruence, ?ARO ? ?AQO.
Consequently by CPCTC, AR = AQ and RO = OQ. -------(1)
Case 2:
OD = OD by reflexivity,
?ODB = ?ODC (both are right angles)
BD = DC (OD bisects BC)
By S.A.S. congruence, ?ODB ? ?ODC.
Therefore, by CPCTC, O.B. = O.C. -------(2)
Since we have proved that
R.O. = OQ ----------(1)
OB = OC ----------(2)
Also, since ?O.R.B. and ?O.Q.C. are both right angles, the hypotenuse-leg theorem for congruence implies ?ORB ? ?OQC. Therefore, by CPCTC, B.R. = Q.C. ---------------(3)
We have shown that AR = AQ and BR = QC. Therefore, AB = AR + RB = AQ + QC = AC.
In other words, 4 = 5,
Thus, 2 + 2 = 5.
What? Is it too complex to be understood? Well, I loved it because I love geometry. However, I still have a surprise for those who didn’t like this method much. Wondering what it may be? Read on.
So, that’s how you prove 2 + 2 = 5. Wasn’t that easy?.
I bet your professor would give you an accolade for proving him wrong! You are going to be his new favourite for sure!
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Method 5 (A bit funny):
This was how one of our friends made the equation true. DONT try it.
In his words…
“There were 2 boys trying to snatch 2 mangoes each from a friend of mine who had 5 mangoes.
I had been on bad terms with my friends .
I asked all three of them to fight over and whoever wins, would get the 4 mangoes.
My friend kept 5 mangoes on the ground and started fighting.
The three fought amongst themselves for quite long.
I reported my teacher that they were fighting. My teacher made them kneel down in front of the class and I was enjoying all the 5 mangoes.”
So I got 2 boys willing to get 2 mangoes each from my friend to get me 5 mangoes in total.”
Well, you would think it is a programming joke till you go through it.
Method 6:
You are going to love this last method, especially if you are a programming aficionado.
Yes! You can solve this using a simple and easy code as well. All you have to do is, type these few lines of code, compile it and see for yourself that 2+2=5.
$ cat test.c
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int a = 3;
int b = 3;
// aren't we supposed to add 2 and 2 ??/
a = 2;
b = 2;
printf("%d\n", a +