Identity element
From Encyclopedia of Mathematics
Revision as of 18:27, 13 December 2014 by Richard Pinch (talk | contribs) (also called unit element)
neutral element, zero element
An element of an algebraic structure $S$, often denoted $1$, $I$ or $e$, with a specific property with respect to a binary operation $*$: $$ \forall x \in S \ \ 1 * x = x * 1 = x\ . $$
Where the binary operation is written additively, the identity element may be denoted $0$ or $O$, and termed a zero element.
How to Cite This Entry:
Identity element. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Identity_element&oldid=35629
Identity element. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Identity_element&oldid=35629