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Indeed, polynomials, for instance, start with a power of zero. At the same time, there is a reason why the natural numbers begin with 1, and, in practical terms
by Koshkin 5y ago
Indeed, polynomials, for instance, start with a power of zero. At the same time, there is a reason why the natural numbers begin with 1, and, in practical terms, there is a certain convenience in the count (size) being the same as the last index.
- ogogmad 5y agoThe natural numbers don't start with 1... The convention is inconsistent, but for many mathematicians, especially including logicians, they start with 0. It is best not to use the term "natural numbers" at all. By the way, your point about polynomials works in favour of the convention that 0 is a natural number.
- Koshkin 5y agoTry thinking of being the zeroth person in a line. Or your child being in the zeroth year of her life.