What is the number 1?
The number 1 is an odd number that comes before 2 and is the very first counting number. It is not a prime number by definition, because it only has one positive divisor: itself. In American politics, George Washington was the 1st president of the United States. He served from 1789 to 1797 and is known as the “Father of His Country.” In nature, many living things start life as a single cell, making 1 the beginning of all biological development. In sports, finishing in 1st place means being the best, and athletes often strive to be number 1. In math, multiplying any number by 1 leaves it unchanged, showing how 1 is the identity element for multiplication. In everyday symbols, a thumbs-up or a raised finger often represents the idea of being number 1. In digital technology, the number 1 is part of the binary system, which uses only 0 and 1 to run all computers and electronic devices.
Number 1 in different languages
- English: One
- French: Un
- Spanish: Uno
- Arabic: واحد
- German: Eins
- Chinese: 一
- Japanese: 一
- Korean: 하나
- Portuguese: Um
- Italian: Uno
- Hindi: एक
- Russian: Один
- Turkish: Bir