Math Conundrums

If according to Dante 1+1=1 (one government plus one people to rule equals one society), then according to Tolkien, 3+7+9=1 (three rings for the elves, seven for the dwarves, and nin for men equal one master ring).

Also, 1 does not equal 1, else my one soldier could defeat your one army, or my one experiment should trump your one career.

Food for thought...