1 

(one, also called unit, and unity) is a number and a numerical digit used to represent that number
in numerals. It represents a single entity, the unit of counting or measurement. For example, a line
segment of unit length is a line segment of length 1. In conventions of sign where zero is considered
neither positive nor negative, 1 is the first and smallest positive integer.[1] It is also sometimes
considered the first of the infinite sequence of natural numbers, followed by 2, although by other
definitions 1 is the second natural number, following 0.
The fundamental mathematical property of 1 is to be a multiplicative identity, meaning that any
number multiplied by 1 equals the same number. Most if not all properties of 1 can be deduced from
this. In advanced mathematics, a multiplicative identity is often denoted 1, even if it is not a number.
1 is by convention not considered a prime number; although universally accepted today, this fact
was controversial until the mid-20th century.
The unique mathematical properties of the number have led to its unique uses in other fields,
ranging from science to sports. It commonly denotes the first, leading or top thing in a group.