The conservative matrix field

Abstract

We present a new structure called the "conservative matrix field", initially developed to elucidate and provide insight into the methodologies employed by Ap\'ery's in his proof of the irrationality of the Riemann zeta function at 3. This framework is also applicable to other well known mathematical constants, such as e, {\pi}, ln(2), and more, and can be used to study their properties. Moreover, the conservative matrix field exhibits inherent connections to various ideas and techniques in number theory, thereby indicating promising avenues for further applications and investigations.