SOLUTION: If x=a, it follows that x^2=ax Thus x^2 - a^2 =ax - a^2 or (a+x)(x-a) = a(x-a) therefore x+a = a

Question 181471: If x=a, it follows that x^2=ax
Thus x^2 - a^2 =ax - a^2
or (a+x)(x-a) = a(x-a)
therefore x+a = a
2a = a
2= 1
Now I know 2 is not = 1. I am strugglling to figure out where I went wrong in the sum I tried to solve above. Please help!!
Answer by Alan3354(69443) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If x=a, it follows that x^2=ax
Thus x^2 - a^2 =ax - a^2
or (a+x)(x-a) = a(x-a)
------------------------------------------
Cancelling the (x-a) is dividing by zero. All that follows is meaningless.
------------------------------------------
therefore x+a = a
2a = a
2= 1
Now I know 2 is not = 1. I am strugglling to figure out where I went wrong in the sum I tried to solve above. Please help!!
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