The simplist concept in mathematics

What is the simplist concept in mathematics?

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HallsofIvy
Homework Helper
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".

Logic/illogic?

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.

multiplying by 0

Originally posted by brum
multiplying by 0
I would actually say that deviding by Zero involves a lot less working out!

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

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

Unit_Zer0
that there is only 1 correct answer to a given problem.

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

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...

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StarkyDee
1 or 0, something or nothing..binary