The simplist concept in mathematics

1. Nov 16, 2003

Loren Booda

What is the simplist concept in mathematics?

2. Nov 16, 2003

Ambitwistor

$$\emptyset$$

3. Nov 16, 2003

HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
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".

4. Nov 17, 2003

Loren Booda

Logic/illogic?

5. Nov 20, 2003

kai0ty

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.

6. Nov 20, 2003

brum

multiplying by 0

7. Nov 20, 2003

ranyart

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

8. Nov 21, 2003

kai0ty

i believe he said concept not function, i would agree multiplying by 0 is easiest function, but i like my answer better.

9. Nov 22, 2003

Organic

Our ability to recognize and associate between opposite concepts,
in my opinion this is the heart of Math language.

10. Nov 22, 2003

Unit_Zer0

that there is only 1 correct answer to a given problem.

11. Nov 23, 2003

kai0ty

unit zero there are not always only 1 answer to a problem. for instance sqrt(9) could be either -3 or 3 couldnt it?

12. Nov 26, 2003

suyver

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...

Last edited: Nov 26, 2003
13. Nov 28, 2003

StarkyDee

1 or 0, something or nothing..binary