1. The problem is to understand what the number 1 represents in mathematics. 2. The number 1 is a fundamental integer, a whole number that comes after 0 and before 2. 3. It is the multiplicative identity, meaning any number multiplied by 1 remains unchanged. For example, $3 \times 1 = 3$. 4. It plays a key role in arithmetic and algebra as the base unit. 5. Therefore, the value of 1 is simply a number representing unity or a single unit. Final answer: 1 is the number representing a single unit or unity.