I know it sounds like a stupid question but if 1+1 equalled another number other than 2 it would change the laws of mathematics and the universe as we know it.
2006-09-09 14:37:09 · 16 answers · asked by Arron Dickens 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Very good question, and one which is difficult to explain. If you want a really simple answer: 1+1 doesn't have to equal 2, but it was how it is defined, and so everybody needs to use it, otherwise you'll confuse people! The whole of mathematics was created by humankind, and it only really works if people let it.
If you want a slightly more detailed (and probably confusing to me as well as you) answer, then here's some things to think about:
1+1 doesn't have to equal 2. 'Two' is the name we have given when you have one, and another one, of something. It could be called whatever you want. You could swap the words for 1+1 and 1+1+1 around, so that you counted one,three,two,four,five,six.....and mathematics laws would still work. You would just need everyone around you to know that 1+1=three and 1+1+1=two.
However, talking in numerical terms, rather than in terms of words, 1+1=2 is a sensible system. If we define 1 as being a single piece of something, and define 'plus' as 'put in the same place as', then 1+1 has to equal 1+1. It is not possible to have 1+1=1+1+1 with that definition of '1' and 'plus'. So then it's just down to what you call 1+1, and we have called it 2.
So my point is: 1 and another 1 is always going to be 1and1, it's jsut what you call it that can change.
2006-09-09 23:29:35 · answer #1 · answered by Steve-Bob 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
By ACCEPTED CONVENTION the mathematical numbers are to the base 10. Without an accepted number system there could be no interchange of mathematical knowledge.
Take 1 marble from a box, then take another from the box.
To the base 10 there are now 2 marbles outside the box.
therefore 1 + 1 = 2 (By ACCEPTED CONVENTION)
Numbers may be to any base. Binary and hexadecimal are two examples. However, 3, 4, 5 could quite easily be used.
The whole structure of the universe can only be understood by the laws of mathematics.
Mathematics is the basis of nature. Any competent botanist will tell you the reason why the individual characteristics of plant growth is formulated by mathematics.
Leaf shapes, flower petal arrangements, cell structure, hexagonal honeycomb, cubic crystals and a host of other examples.
Without a system of numbering and an understanding of trigonometry, geometry, algebra, integral calculus and other branches of mathematics man would never have made any progress.
Finally, no matter what 1 + 1 equals (in your mind) would make no impact on the universe, or the understanding of it, to an amoeba,ant, antelope or ape.
2006-09-09 23:04:13 · answer #2 · answered by CurlyQ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, about ninety years ago, two very brilliant mathematical logicians called Bertrand Russell and Alfred North Whitehead spent many, many pages of a book they co-wrote, in an attempt to prove logically that 1+1 does indeed equal 2 (maybe it was 2+2=4, but the point still holds). And that book is now regarded by most logic experts as being seriously flawed.
Everybody knows that 1+1=2 but it's very hard to prove logically. Incidentally, in binary notation, 1+1=10.
2006-09-09 14:48:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a relationship between two people, 1+1=1 because the two people (1) and (1) complete each other and becomes ONE.
In mathematics 1+1=2 because (1) cannot be in a relationship with (1) because they are the same people! Therefore, (1) and (1) together will always be (2)...they cannot complete each other.
Haha, this may sound wierd
2006-09-09 16:34:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just defined to be so. After all, it is a question of language, not Maths. It has to be called something, so why not "Two". Call it "Hat" if you want. Then One + One = Hat.
The Maths symbols to represent the numbers just make it easier to write down and they are International. So in France, Un + Un = Deux, in Germany Eins + Eins = Zwei etc, but all over the world 1 + 1 = 2. Neat!
2006-09-09 22:10:24 · answer #5 · answered by notatsi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 + 1 = 2 is something we call an axiom. It is one of the building blocks of mathematics that is just taken as so by definition.
If we were to change the building blocks of maths, then it wouldn't change the laws of mathematics, it would simply rewrite them in a different framework.
2006-09-09 22:45:34 · answer #6 · answered by Gary H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When a man and wife have a baby, 1+1=3.
2006-09-09 14:51:58 · answer #7 · answered by eireblood2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If divides Nations.
2006-09-09 14:46:34 · answer #8 · answered by Rachel Maria 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean but cant describe my answer to you in a way that makes sense!!
2006-09-09 14:55:05 · answer #9 · answered by tigeroscar2005 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mathematics is a man-made concept. the universe is what it is. therefore your argument is redundant
2006-09-09 14:45:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋