| identity element n. The element of a set of numbers that when combined with another number in a particular operation leaves that number unchanged. For example, 0 is the identity element under addition for the real numbers, since if a is any real number, a + 0 = 0 + a = a. Similarly, 1 is the identity element under multiplication for the real numbers, since a × 1 = 1 × a = a. Also called unity. |
identity element ( -d n t -t ) The element of a set of numbers that when combined with another number under a particular binary operation leaves the second number unchanged. For example, 0 is the identity element under addition for the real numbers, since for any real number a, a + 0 = a, and 1 is the identity element under multiplication for the real numbers, since a × 1 = a. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | identity element - an operator that leaves unchanged the element on which it operates; "the identity under numerical multiplication is 1" operator - (mathematics) a symbol or function representing a mathematical operation |
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