Identity element: Difference between revisions
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imported>Richard Pinch (→Examples: added: empty set for union) |
imported>Richard Pinch (→Examples: zero matrix) |
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==Examples== | ==Examples== | ||
* Existence of an identity element is one of the properties of a [[group (mathematics)|group]] or [[monoid]]. | * Existence of an identity element is one of the properties of a [[group (mathematics)|group]] or [[monoid]]. | ||
* An [[identity matrix]] is the identity element for [[matrix multiplication]]. | * An [[identity matrix]] is the identity element for [[matrix multiplication]]; a [[zero matrix]] is the identity element for [[matrix addition]]. | ||
* The [[empty set]] is the identity element for set [[union]]. | * The [[empty set]] is the identity element for set [[union]]. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Identity (mathematics)]] | * [[Identity (mathematics)]] | ||
Revision as of 14:33, 8 December 2008
In algebra, an identity element or neutral element with respect to a binary operation is an element which leaves the other operand unchanged, generalising the concept of zero with respect to addition or one with respect to multiplication.
Formally, let be a binary operation on a set X. An element I of X is an identity for if
holds for all x in X. An identity element, if it exists, is unique.
Examples
- Existence of an identity element is one of the properties of a group or monoid.
- An identity matrix is the identity element for matrix multiplication; a zero matrix is the identity element for matrix addition.
- The empty set is the identity element for set union.