
False "proofs"
Although fallacious proofs are not scams, they remain a teaching tool that often amuses math buffs… and everyone else!


Although fallacious proofs are not scams, they remain a teaching tool that often amuses math buffs… and everyone else!


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For many people, the rhombus—originally called a "rhomb" (see In Brief, "The origin of the rhombus"; the associated adjective is still "rhombic")—is characterized by its acute angles pointing upward and downward. Yet, as Euclid already observed, this quadrilateral is defined by the equal lengths of its sides. Its ability to form tilings accounts for its use in architecture and decoration.

Some profound results, such as Pythagoras' theorem, predate any awareness of mathematics as a science. Rather, once theorized and proved, these results gave rise to this science.

A geometric question about trisecting an angle can lead to some astonishing discoveries! Along the way, we encounter triangles, angle trisectors that are also medians, the non-constructible 20° angle—and curves not yet catalogued?

Behind its sleek appearance, the parabola brims with fascinating properties. Thus, the study of its tangents reveals remarkable angular properties and offers a playground of astonishing richness, where classical geometry meets luminous reflections.
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