1
It is the first and smallest positive integer of the infinite sequence of natural numbers.
This fundamental property has led to its unique uses in other fields, ranging from science to sports, where it commonly denotes the first, leading, or top thing in a group.
1 is the unit of counting or measurement, a determiner for singular nouns, and a gender-neutral pronoun.
Historically, the representation of 1 evolved from ancient Sumerian and Babylonian symbols to the modern Arabic numeral.
In digital technology, 1 represents the "on" state in binary code, the foundation of computing.
Philosophically, 1 symbolizes the ultimate reality or source of existence in various traditions.
In Giuseppe Peano's original formulation of the Peano axioms, a set of postulates to define the natural numbers in a precise and logical way, 1 was treated as the starting point of the sequence of natural numbers.
While this is the simplest way to represent the natural numbers, base-1 is rarely used as a practical base for counting due to its difficult readability.
This is a consequence of Benford’s law, which states that the probability for a specific leading digit
The tendency for real-world numbers to grow exponentially or logarithmically biases the distribution towards smaller leading digits, with 1 occurring approximately 30% of the time.
[17] One is most commonly a determiner used with singular countable nouns, as in one day at a time.
[19] One is also a gender-neutral pronoun used to refer to an unspecified person or to people in general as in one should take care of oneself.
Combining alone with only (implying one-like) leads to lonely, conveying a sense of solitude.
[21] Other common numeral prefixes for the number 1 include uni- (e.g., unicycle, universe, unicorn), sol- (e.g., solo dance), derived from Latin, or mono- (e.g., monorail, monogamy, monopoly) derived from Greek.
[24] The Archaic Sumerian numerals for 1 and 60 both consisted of horizontal semi-circular symbols.
[24] The Babylonian cuneiform script notation for numbers used the same symbol for 1 and 60 as in the Sumerian system.
These symbols directly represent the concept of 'one' without breaking it down into phonetic components.
[31] In old-style typefaces (e.g., Hoefler Text), the typeface for numeral 1 resembles a small caps version of I, featuring parallel serifs at the top and bottom, while the capital I retains a full-height form.
[32] Many older typewriters do not have a dedicated key for the numeral 1, requiring the use of the lowercase letter L or uppercase I as substitutes.
This variation can lead to confusion with the glyph used for seven in other countries and so to provide a visual distinction between the two the digit 7 may be written with a horizontal stroke through the vertical line.
[44] In physics, selected physical constants are set to 1 in natural unit systems in order to simplify the form of equations; for example, in Planck units the speed of light equals 1.
Group 1 of the periodic table consists of hydrogen and the alkali metals.
[48] In philosophy, the number 1 is commonly regarded as a symbol of unity, often representing God or the universe in monotheistic traditions.
[50] In the philosophy of Plotinus (and that of other neoplatonists), 'The One' is the ultimate reality and source of all existence.
