Which part of the computer performs the majority of mathematical operations?

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is the component of the computer responsible for performing the majority of mathematical operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as logical operations such as comparisons (e.g., greater than, less than). The ALU takes input data, processes it according to arithmetic and logical rules, and then outputs the result for further use in computations or data storage. This makes it a crucial part of the central processing unit (CPU), enabling effective execution of mathematical calculations that are fundamental to a variety of tasks in computing.

In contrast, the control unit directs the operations of the computer by controlling the flow of data within the system but does not perform calculations itself. The system unit is a broader term that encompasses the CPU, memory, and other components, focusing more on the overall configuration rather than specific functions. Memory, on the other hand, is responsible for storing data and instructions temporarily or permanently but does not carry out any mathematical operations. Therefore, the ALU is specifically designed to handle calculations, which is why it is the correct answer.