2026-07-072026-07-07http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/101006This paper is a very brief introduction to idempotent mathematics and related topics.24 pages, 2 figures. An introductory paper to the volume "Idempotent Mathematics and Mathematical Physics" (G.L. Ltvinov, V.P. Maslov, eds.; AMS Contemporary Mathematics, 2005). More misprints correctedGeneral MathematicsMathematical Physics00A05, 81Q20, 14P99, 51P05, 46S10, 49L99 (Primary) 06A99, 06F07, 14N10, 81S99 (Secondary)text