The simplist concept in mathematics

[Loren Booda]

What is the simplist concept in mathematics?

 

[HallsofIvy]

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]

Logic/illogic?

 

[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.

 

[brum]

multiplying by 0

 

[ranyart]

Originally posted by brum
multiplying by 0

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

 

[kai0ty]

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

 

[Organic]

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.

 

[kai0ty]

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

 

[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...

 

[StarkyDee]

1 or 0, something or nothing..binary