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Loren Booda
Nov16-03, 08:22 PM
What is the simplist concept in mathematics?

Ambitwistor
Nov16-03, 08:25 PM
\emptyset

HallsofIvy
Nov16-03, 08:46 PM
One can always get an argument between set theorists and logicians as to whether Set theory is based on logic or logic is based on set theory.

That is why I would say the simplist concept is either "set" or "True-False".

Loren Booda
Nov17-03, 07:42 PM
Logic/illogic?

kai0ty
Nov20-03, 06:41 PM
um id pick addition as the simplest. your 4 basic functions (addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication) are all different forms of adding. subtraction is adding a negative number, multiplicatin is adding a number a certain about of times, and division is the inverse of multiplication. all functions can be done this way so my choice is addition.

brum
Nov20-03, 08:48 PM
multiplying by 0

ranyart
Nov20-03, 09:14 PM
Originally posted by brum
multiplying by 0

I would actually say that deviding by Zero involves a lot less working out!

kai0ty
Nov21-03, 05:39 PM
i believe he said concept not function, i would agree multiplying by 0 is easiest function, but i like my answer better.

Organic
Nov22-03, 09:01 AM
Our ability to recognize and associate between opposite concepts,
in my opinion this is the heart of Math language.

Unit_Zer0
Nov22-03, 09:45 AM
that there is only 1 correct answer to a given problem.

kai0ty
Nov23-03, 02:56 PM
unit zero there are not always only 1 answer to a problem. for instance sqrt(9) could be either -3 or 3 couldnt it?

suyver
Nov26-03, 10:15 AM
No! sqrt(9) is always 3. Maybe you're confused with the equation x^2=9, which indeed has solutions x=3 and x=-3.

In answer to the original question: I'd say that 1 (or the n x n Itentity matrix) would be the simplest concept available...

StarkyDee
Nov28-03, 04:11 PM
1 or 0, something or nothing..binary