And that someday is today! So here it goes.
This particular incident is probably when I was in the fifth or sixth standard. We had recently started learning Algebra in school. Back during those days, my Dad took keen interest in staying updated with our (my and my sister's) school work, but only regarding the subjects of Maths and Science. In his opinion, the remaining subjects, from History, Geography to Hindi and Sanskrit, were 'just to pass/score'! :P So, here I was, discussing general school work with my Dad, when I happened to proudly claim my expertise in the expansion of (x+y)^2 and (x-y)^2.
Now, my dad always told us (me and my sister) stories of how he used to top his class in Mathematics, Algebra being his forte! In my bid to prove that I too belonged to his league of mathematicians, I proudly remarked -
Well, Algebra is so easy!
(x+y)^2 = x^2 + 2xy + y^2 and
(x- y)^2 = x^2 - 2xy - y^2
My dad instantly spotted the error. But I was adamant. I just knew I was right! Well, pure logic suggested that it was a long time since my father graduated from school. It was thus, more likely that *he* would have forgotten a trivial equation like this which they teach in school. So, as my father tried to explain, "No son, thats not right.. it should be... ", I stopped him in the middle of the sentence and suggested that I could *prove* the correctness of my expansion of (x-y)^2 . I vividly remember his expression, the slight amusement on his face followed by an 'Okay, as you wish!'.
I hurriedly grabbed a piece of paper and started explaining him:
"Lets write (x-y)^2 as (x-y) * (x-y). So that ways, if we multiply x and -y individually with the term (x-y), we get, x*x = x^2, x*-y and -y*x = -2xy and -y * -y is ........" and I looked up, as innocently as I could, just to find him smiling at me!
It taught me a great lesson in life - When it comes to Mathematics, never ever argue with your Daddy!
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