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From: prodeng@fluke.UUCP (Jim Hirning)
Newsgroups: net.math
Subject: Re: 1 = 2 'proof'
Message-ID: <700@vax2.fluke.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 14-Sep-83 13:13:12 EDT
Article-I.D.: vax2.700
Posted: Wed Sep 14 13:13:12 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 15-Sep-83 20:42:52 EDT
References: <440@nmtvax.UUCP>
Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Everett, Wash
Lines: 15

Regarding differentiating both sides of x^2 = x + x + ... x (x times).

It is true that x must be integer; it is also true that since x is not 
continuous, this function cannot be differentiated.

To differentiate a function, you must be able to take a limit, thus
continuity is required.  

I also *suspect* that since the number of x's on the right hand side is 
indefinite, the purported equation really is illegal to start with. 
(At least, an induction argument should be supplied).

Debbie Smit
fluke!prodeng