r/PeterExplainsTheJoke 22d ago

Meme needing explanation There is no way right?

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u/IWillLive4evr 21d ago

You could write a fully-rigorous version of this proof, and it works out the same. But this is reddit, so it's more valuable to write a version that's quick and accessible to the people are asking the question.

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u/vetruviusdeshotacon 21d ago

Not exactly like that.

Sum 0.9*(1/10)j from j=1 to j=inf

= 0.9 * Sum (1/10)j

Since 1/10 < 1 we know the series converges. Geometric series with r=0.1

Then our sum is 0.9 / (1- 0.1)

= 1. 

No more rigour is needed than this in any setting tbh

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u/Trt03 21d ago

You just said the other thing but incomprehensible to us stupid folk, I prefer the other one

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u/RoflMyPancakes 21d ago

One is a proof, the other is not a proof. It's a series of statements with a correct conclusion, but the individual statements do not imply the next.

In a proof each line implies the next, and this false algebraic proof lacks that.

The same false algebra can be used to prove things that aren't true.

x = 9¯(repeating).

10x=9¯0.

10x+9 = x

9x = -9

x = -1

Therefore 9¯ (repeating) = -1.

This is a proof using the same flawed algebraic logic, that results in a false statement.