What is wrong with the following “proof” that -3 = 3, using backward reasoning? Assume that -3 = 3. Squaring both sides yields (-3)2 = 32 or 9 = 9. Therefore – 3 = 3.
EXPERT ANSWER
Yes, It is wrong.
Because, even if the squares of two numbers equal then the two number ay not be equal like in the given case.
But you can prove this as
-3 = 3
-3 – 3 = 0
-6 = 0
So, -6 is not equals to 0
Then we can say that -3 is not equals to 3.