The identity element and the inverse [closed]












1














A group is a ordered pair $(G,*)$ which satisfies the following,




  1. $G$ is a set


  2. $*$ is a binary operation on $G$


  3. $*$ is associative


  4. $exists einmathbb{G} (forall ainmathbb{G} a*e=e*a=a)$


  5. $forall ainmathbb{G}exists binmathbb{G}(a*b=b*a=e)$



Note : $e$ is called THE identity element of this group $(G,*)$.



Note : $b$ is called THE inverse of a and denoted by $a^{-1}$.



Prove "THE", in other words, show identity is unique and inverse is unique.



I need a little bit help maybe and idea on how to start such problem.



Thank you










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closed as off-topic by T. Bongers, Cesareo, KReiser, user10354138, Brahadeesh Nov 27 at 5:43


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "This question is missing context or other details: Please improve the question by providing additional context, which ideally includes your thoughts on the problem and any attempts you have made to solve it. This information helps others identify where you have difficulties and helps them write answers appropriate to your experience level." – T. Bongers, Cesareo, KReiser, user10354138, Brahadeesh

If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.













  • It's a bit disappointing that this got onto the hot network questions list... after all, this is a "I have no idea post" that's answered by many elementary books in the field (e.g. Pinter, Dummit & Foote, and innumerable other textbooks...). In general, this is not a do-my-homework site and it's expected to show your own thoughts and the context where you encountered the problem. I'm voting to close as off-topic. But that really doesn't matter much, considering that five enthusiastic users have given you the exact same answers.
    – T. Bongers
    Nov 26 at 22:30
















1














A group is a ordered pair $(G,*)$ which satisfies the following,




  1. $G$ is a set


  2. $*$ is a binary operation on $G$


  3. $*$ is associative


  4. $exists einmathbb{G} (forall ainmathbb{G} a*e=e*a=a)$


  5. $forall ainmathbb{G}exists binmathbb{G}(a*b=b*a=e)$



Note : $e$ is called THE identity element of this group $(G,*)$.



Note : $b$ is called THE inverse of a and denoted by $a^{-1}$.



Prove "THE", in other words, show identity is unique and inverse is unique.



I need a little bit help maybe and idea on how to start such problem.



Thank you










share|cite|improve this question















closed as off-topic by T. Bongers, Cesareo, KReiser, user10354138, Brahadeesh Nov 27 at 5:43


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "This question is missing context or other details: Please improve the question by providing additional context, which ideally includes your thoughts on the problem and any attempts you have made to solve it. This information helps others identify where you have difficulties and helps them write answers appropriate to your experience level." – T. Bongers, Cesareo, KReiser, user10354138, Brahadeesh

If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.













  • It's a bit disappointing that this got onto the hot network questions list... after all, this is a "I have no idea post" that's answered by many elementary books in the field (e.g. Pinter, Dummit & Foote, and innumerable other textbooks...). In general, this is not a do-my-homework site and it's expected to show your own thoughts and the context where you encountered the problem. I'm voting to close as off-topic. But that really doesn't matter much, considering that five enthusiastic users have given you the exact same answers.
    – T. Bongers
    Nov 26 at 22:30














1












1








1







A group is a ordered pair $(G,*)$ which satisfies the following,




  1. $G$ is a set


  2. $*$ is a binary operation on $G$


  3. $*$ is associative


  4. $exists einmathbb{G} (forall ainmathbb{G} a*e=e*a=a)$


  5. $forall ainmathbb{G}exists binmathbb{G}(a*b=b*a=e)$



Note : $e$ is called THE identity element of this group $(G,*)$.



Note : $b$ is called THE inverse of a and denoted by $a^{-1}$.



Prove "THE", in other words, show identity is unique and inverse is unique.



I need a little bit help maybe and idea on how to start such problem.



Thank you










share|cite|improve this question















A group is a ordered pair $(G,*)$ which satisfies the following,




  1. $G$ is a set


  2. $*$ is a binary operation on $G$


  3. $*$ is associative


  4. $exists einmathbb{G} (forall ainmathbb{G} a*e=e*a=a)$


  5. $forall ainmathbb{G}exists binmathbb{G}(a*b=b*a=e)$



Note : $e$ is called THE identity element of this group $(G,*)$.



Note : $b$ is called THE inverse of a and denoted by $a^{-1}$.



Prove "THE", in other words, show identity is unique and inverse is unique.



I need a little bit help maybe and idea on how to start such problem.



Thank you







group-theory






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edited Nov 26 at 17:12

























asked Nov 26 at 16:56









Scott

346




346




closed as off-topic by T. Bongers, Cesareo, KReiser, user10354138, Brahadeesh Nov 27 at 5:43


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "This question is missing context or other details: Please improve the question by providing additional context, which ideally includes your thoughts on the problem and any attempts you have made to solve it. This information helps others identify where you have difficulties and helps them write answers appropriate to your experience level." – T. Bongers, Cesareo, KReiser, user10354138, Brahadeesh

If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.




closed as off-topic by T. Bongers, Cesareo, KReiser, user10354138, Brahadeesh Nov 27 at 5:43


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "This question is missing context or other details: Please improve the question by providing additional context, which ideally includes your thoughts on the problem and any attempts you have made to solve it. This information helps others identify where you have difficulties and helps them write answers appropriate to your experience level." – T. Bongers, Cesareo, KReiser, user10354138, Brahadeesh

If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.












  • It's a bit disappointing that this got onto the hot network questions list... after all, this is a "I have no idea post" that's answered by many elementary books in the field (e.g. Pinter, Dummit & Foote, and innumerable other textbooks...). In general, this is not a do-my-homework site and it's expected to show your own thoughts and the context where you encountered the problem. I'm voting to close as off-topic. But that really doesn't matter much, considering that five enthusiastic users have given you the exact same answers.
    – T. Bongers
    Nov 26 at 22:30


















  • It's a bit disappointing that this got onto the hot network questions list... after all, this is a "I have no idea post" that's answered by many elementary books in the field (e.g. Pinter, Dummit & Foote, and innumerable other textbooks...). In general, this is not a do-my-homework site and it's expected to show your own thoughts and the context where you encountered the problem. I'm voting to close as off-topic. But that really doesn't matter much, considering that five enthusiastic users have given you the exact same answers.
    – T. Bongers
    Nov 26 at 22:30
















It's a bit disappointing that this got onto the hot network questions list... after all, this is a "I have no idea post" that's answered by many elementary books in the field (e.g. Pinter, Dummit & Foote, and innumerable other textbooks...). In general, this is not a do-my-homework site and it's expected to show your own thoughts and the context where you encountered the problem. I'm voting to close as off-topic. But that really doesn't matter much, considering that five enthusiastic users have given you the exact same answers.
– T. Bongers
Nov 26 at 22:30




It's a bit disappointing that this got onto the hot network questions list... after all, this is a "I have no idea post" that's answered by many elementary books in the field (e.g. Pinter, Dummit & Foote, and innumerable other textbooks...). In general, this is not a do-my-homework site and it's expected to show your own thoughts and the context where you encountered the problem. I'm voting to close as off-topic. But that really doesn't matter much, considering that five enthusiastic users have given you the exact same answers.
– T. Bongers
Nov 26 at 22:30










5 Answers
5






active

oldest

votes


















5














Let $e$ and $f$ be two elements where $ea = ae =a$ and $fa = af = a$ for all $a in G$.



Then what is $ef$ equal to? It must be equal to something in $G$ as that is that is the definition of binary operation. And because $ea =ae =a$ for all $ain G$ it's true for $f$ and $ef = fe = f$. But $fa = af =a$ for all $a in G$ so $ef = fe = e$. Is it possible for $e$ and $f$ to be two different elements?



As for inverses: For $a$ let $a'$ be such that $a'a = aa' = e$ and let $a^{-1}$ be such that $a^{-1}a = a a^{-1} = e$.



What is $a^{-1}aa'$ equal to? Hint: use associativity. $(a^{-1}a)a' = ??$ and $a^{-1}(aa') = ???$.






share|cite|improve this answer



















  • 1




    Where you say $fa=ae=a$ in your first line, was that supposed to be $fa=af=a$?
    – David Z
    Nov 26 at 19:57










  • Yes, it was. (Same thing though :) )
    – fleablood
    Nov 26 at 21:35



















3














Here's a little help; in both cases consider two such elements (two identity elements, or two inverses of the same element). Use the given relations to show that they are the same.






share|cite|improve this answer





























    2














    Hint. Suppose $a$ and $b$ are both identities. What can you say about $ab$?



    If $g$ seems to have two inverses can you find a similar kind of product that will let you conclude they are equal?






    share|cite|improve this answer





















    • Since a and b are both identities then their multiplication $ a ast b$ should be equal to either a or b or ab ?
      – Scott
      Nov 26 at 17:16








    • 2




      @Scott Almost. Of course $ab = ab$, so don't bother saying so. Then you know $ab$ is both $a$ and $b$ (better that than "either"). Now you have a proof that they are equal.
      – Ethan Bolker
      Nov 26 at 17:20






    • 1




      @Scott No. All you've done is restate the meaning of "inverse". You are not trying to prove $e$ is the identity. You know that. You want to prove that an element $g$ (use a different letter so you don't mix this up with the first part) has two possibly different inverses $h$ and $k$, What can you conclude about $hgk$?
      – Ethan Bolker
      Nov 26 at 17:41






    • 2




      @scott The equation following "also" makes no sense to me. And iou blew it at the end. STOP when you conclude that $h=k$! Going on to say "This implies $hg=e$" is nonsense. You knew that as one of the assumptions. Finally, it's not "$g$ should be equal to $h$", it's that $k=h$, which you proved two sentences ago. I've just been told by the system to avoid extended discussions in comments. There are several complete correct answers here. I've pretty much said everything I can. You're on your own now.
      – Ethan Bolker
      Nov 26 at 18:52








    • 1




      1) $e, g^{-1},$ and $frac 1g$ are only labels. You can't assume they exist or have the properties they exist unless you declare them to have them. You don't know they exist and have names. In part 1 You need to prove if $alpha$ and $beta$ both act like an identity that $alpha = beta$. It won't make sense to say either is equal to $e$ because $e$ is just a symbol and BOTH $alpha$ and $beta$ deserve it. You need to prove that only one can have the label i.e $alpha = beta$.
      – fleablood
      Nov 26 at 21:48



















    1














    Let $e,e'$ be identity elements of $G$. Then $e=e'e$, since $e'$ is an identity element, and $e'e=e'$, since $e$ is an identity element.



    Let $u,v$ be inverses of $a$. Then $u= u e = u(av) = (ua)v = ev =v$, where $e$ is the identity element.






    share|cite|improve this answer





























      0














      Suppose there exist two identity elements e_1 and e_2
      then
      e_1*e_2=e_2*e_1=e_2 (since e_1 is an identity).
      e_1*e_2=e_2*e_1=e_1 (since e_2 is an identity).
      So e_1=e_2.



      If y_1 is an inverse of x and y_2 is another one then :
      y_1=y_1*e=y_1*(xy_2)=(y_1 x) * y_2=e* y_2=y_2






      share|cite|improve this answer



















      • 4




        Please use MathJax to format mathematical expressions.
        – Servaes
        Nov 26 at 17:03








      • 4




        Welcome to stackexchange. This is a correct answer. That said, I wish you had waited a little longer to give the OP a chance to use hints to solve the problem, and so learn more.
        – Ethan Bolker
        Nov 26 at 17:14










      • Thank you for the answer, i will consider this after i learn how can i conclude to this answer.
        – Scott
        Nov 26 at 17:19










      • I get the first part and almost understand the second part. Thanks for the help.
        – Scott
        Nov 26 at 17:46


















      5 Answers
      5






      active

      oldest

      votes








      5 Answers
      5






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes









      5














      Let $e$ and $f$ be two elements where $ea = ae =a$ and $fa = af = a$ for all $a in G$.



      Then what is $ef$ equal to? It must be equal to something in $G$ as that is that is the definition of binary operation. And because $ea =ae =a$ for all $ain G$ it's true for $f$ and $ef = fe = f$. But $fa = af =a$ for all $a in G$ so $ef = fe = e$. Is it possible for $e$ and $f$ to be two different elements?



      As for inverses: For $a$ let $a'$ be such that $a'a = aa' = e$ and let $a^{-1}$ be such that $a^{-1}a = a a^{-1} = e$.



      What is $a^{-1}aa'$ equal to? Hint: use associativity. $(a^{-1}a)a' = ??$ and $a^{-1}(aa') = ???$.






      share|cite|improve this answer



















      • 1




        Where you say $fa=ae=a$ in your first line, was that supposed to be $fa=af=a$?
        – David Z
        Nov 26 at 19:57










      • Yes, it was. (Same thing though :) )
        – fleablood
        Nov 26 at 21:35
















      5














      Let $e$ and $f$ be two elements where $ea = ae =a$ and $fa = af = a$ for all $a in G$.



      Then what is $ef$ equal to? It must be equal to something in $G$ as that is that is the definition of binary operation. And because $ea =ae =a$ for all $ain G$ it's true for $f$ and $ef = fe = f$. But $fa = af =a$ for all $a in G$ so $ef = fe = e$. Is it possible for $e$ and $f$ to be two different elements?



      As for inverses: For $a$ let $a'$ be such that $a'a = aa' = e$ and let $a^{-1}$ be such that $a^{-1}a = a a^{-1} = e$.



      What is $a^{-1}aa'$ equal to? Hint: use associativity. $(a^{-1}a)a' = ??$ and $a^{-1}(aa') = ???$.






      share|cite|improve this answer



















      • 1




        Where you say $fa=ae=a$ in your first line, was that supposed to be $fa=af=a$?
        – David Z
        Nov 26 at 19:57










      • Yes, it was. (Same thing though :) )
        – fleablood
        Nov 26 at 21:35














      5












      5








      5






      Let $e$ and $f$ be two elements where $ea = ae =a$ and $fa = af = a$ for all $a in G$.



      Then what is $ef$ equal to? It must be equal to something in $G$ as that is that is the definition of binary operation. And because $ea =ae =a$ for all $ain G$ it's true for $f$ and $ef = fe = f$. But $fa = af =a$ for all $a in G$ so $ef = fe = e$. Is it possible for $e$ and $f$ to be two different elements?



      As for inverses: For $a$ let $a'$ be such that $a'a = aa' = e$ and let $a^{-1}$ be such that $a^{-1}a = a a^{-1} = e$.



      What is $a^{-1}aa'$ equal to? Hint: use associativity. $(a^{-1}a)a' = ??$ and $a^{-1}(aa') = ???$.






      share|cite|improve this answer














      Let $e$ and $f$ be two elements where $ea = ae =a$ and $fa = af = a$ for all $a in G$.



      Then what is $ef$ equal to? It must be equal to something in $G$ as that is that is the definition of binary operation. And because $ea =ae =a$ for all $ain G$ it's true for $f$ and $ef = fe = f$. But $fa = af =a$ for all $a in G$ so $ef = fe = e$. Is it possible for $e$ and $f$ to be two different elements?



      As for inverses: For $a$ let $a'$ be such that $a'a = aa' = e$ and let $a^{-1}$ be such that $a^{-1}a = a a^{-1} = e$.



      What is $a^{-1}aa'$ equal to? Hint: use associativity. $(a^{-1}a)a' = ??$ and $a^{-1}(aa') = ???$.







      share|cite|improve this answer














      share|cite|improve this answer



      share|cite|improve this answer








      edited Nov 26 at 21:35

























      answered Nov 26 at 17:07









      fleablood

      68.1k22684




      68.1k22684








      • 1




        Where you say $fa=ae=a$ in your first line, was that supposed to be $fa=af=a$?
        – David Z
        Nov 26 at 19:57










      • Yes, it was. (Same thing though :) )
        – fleablood
        Nov 26 at 21:35














      • 1




        Where you say $fa=ae=a$ in your first line, was that supposed to be $fa=af=a$?
        – David Z
        Nov 26 at 19:57










      • Yes, it was. (Same thing though :) )
        – fleablood
        Nov 26 at 21:35








      1




      1




      Where you say $fa=ae=a$ in your first line, was that supposed to be $fa=af=a$?
      – David Z
      Nov 26 at 19:57




      Where you say $fa=ae=a$ in your first line, was that supposed to be $fa=af=a$?
      – David Z
      Nov 26 at 19:57












      Yes, it was. (Same thing though :) )
      – fleablood
      Nov 26 at 21:35




      Yes, it was. (Same thing though :) )
      – fleablood
      Nov 26 at 21:35











      3














      Here's a little help; in both cases consider two such elements (two identity elements, or two inverses of the same element). Use the given relations to show that they are the same.






      share|cite|improve this answer


























        3














        Here's a little help; in both cases consider two such elements (two identity elements, or two inverses of the same element). Use the given relations to show that they are the same.






        share|cite|improve this answer
























          3












          3








          3






          Here's a little help; in both cases consider two such elements (two identity elements, or two inverses of the same element). Use the given relations to show that they are the same.






          share|cite|improve this answer












          Here's a little help; in both cases consider two such elements (two identity elements, or two inverses of the same element). Use the given relations to show that they are the same.







          share|cite|improve this answer












          share|cite|improve this answer



          share|cite|improve this answer










          answered Nov 26 at 16:58









          Servaes

          22.3k33793




          22.3k33793























              2














              Hint. Suppose $a$ and $b$ are both identities. What can you say about $ab$?



              If $g$ seems to have two inverses can you find a similar kind of product that will let you conclude they are equal?






              share|cite|improve this answer





















              • Since a and b are both identities then their multiplication $ a ast b$ should be equal to either a or b or ab ?
                – Scott
                Nov 26 at 17:16








              • 2




                @Scott Almost. Of course $ab = ab$, so don't bother saying so. Then you know $ab$ is both $a$ and $b$ (better that than "either"). Now you have a proof that they are equal.
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 17:20






              • 1




                @Scott No. All you've done is restate the meaning of "inverse". You are not trying to prove $e$ is the identity. You know that. You want to prove that an element $g$ (use a different letter so you don't mix this up with the first part) has two possibly different inverses $h$ and $k$, What can you conclude about $hgk$?
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 17:41






              • 2




                @scott The equation following "also" makes no sense to me. And iou blew it at the end. STOP when you conclude that $h=k$! Going on to say "This implies $hg=e$" is nonsense. You knew that as one of the assumptions. Finally, it's not "$g$ should be equal to $h$", it's that $k=h$, which you proved two sentences ago. I've just been told by the system to avoid extended discussions in comments. There are several complete correct answers here. I've pretty much said everything I can. You're on your own now.
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 18:52








              • 1




                1) $e, g^{-1},$ and $frac 1g$ are only labels. You can't assume they exist or have the properties they exist unless you declare them to have them. You don't know they exist and have names. In part 1 You need to prove if $alpha$ and $beta$ both act like an identity that $alpha = beta$. It won't make sense to say either is equal to $e$ because $e$ is just a symbol and BOTH $alpha$ and $beta$ deserve it. You need to prove that only one can have the label i.e $alpha = beta$.
                – fleablood
                Nov 26 at 21:48
















              2














              Hint. Suppose $a$ and $b$ are both identities. What can you say about $ab$?



              If $g$ seems to have two inverses can you find a similar kind of product that will let you conclude they are equal?






              share|cite|improve this answer





















              • Since a and b are both identities then their multiplication $ a ast b$ should be equal to either a or b or ab ?
                – Scott
                Nov 26 at 17:16








              • 2




                @Scott Almost. Of course $ab = ab$, so don't bother saying so. Then you know $ab$ is both $a$ and $b$ (better that than "either"). Now you have a proof that they are equal.
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 17:20






              • 1




                @Scott No. All you've done is restate the meaning of "inverse". You are not trying to prove $e$ is the identity. You know that. You want to prove that an element $g$ (use a different letter so you don't mix this up with the first part) has two possibly different inverses $h$ and $k$, What can you conclude about $hgk$?
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 17:41






              • 2




                @scott The equation following "also" makes no sense to me. And iou blew it at the end. STOP when you conclude that $h=k$! Going on to say "This implies $hg=e$" is nonsense. You knew that as one of the assumptions. Finally, it's not "$g$ should be equal to $h$", it's that $k=h$, which you proved two sentences ago. I've just been told by the system to avoid extended discussions in comments. There are several complete correct answers here. I've pretty much said everything I can. You're on your own now.
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 18:52








              • 1




                1) $e, g^{-1},$ and $frac 1g$ are only labels. You can't assume they exist or have the properties they exist unless you declare them to have them. You don't know they exist and have names. In part 1 You need to prove if $alpha$ and $beta$ both act like an identity that $alpha = beta$. It won't make sense to say either is equal to $e$ because $e$ is just a symbol and BOTH $alpha$ and $beta$ deserve it. You need to prove that only one can have the label i.e $alpha = beta$.
                – fleablood
                Nov 26 at 21:48














              2












              2








              2






              Hint. Suppose $a$ and $b$ are both identities. What can you say about $ab$?



              If $g$ seems to have two inverses can you find a similar kind of product that will let you conclude they are equal?






              share|cite|improve this answer












              Hint. Suppose $a$ and $b$ are both identities. What can you say about $ab$?



              If $g$ seems to have two inverses can you find a similar kind of product that will let you conclude they are equal?







              share|cite|improve this answer












              share|cite|improve this answer



              share|cite|improve this answer










              answered Nov 26 at 16:57









              Ethan Bolker

              41k546108




              41k546108












              • Since a and b are both identities then their multiplication $ a ast b$ should be equal to either a or b or ab ?
                – Scott
                Nov 26 at 17:16








              • 2




                @Scott Almost. Of course $ab = ab$, so don't bother saying so. Then you know $ab$ is both $a$ and $b$ (better that than "either"). Now you have a proof that they are equal.
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 17:20






              • 1




                @Scott No. All you've done is restate the meaning of "inverse". You are not trying to prove $e$ is the identity. You know that. You want to prove that an element $g$ (use a different letter so you don't mix this up with the first part) has two possibly different inverses $h$ and $k$, What can you conclude about $hgk$?
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 17:41






              • 2




                @scott The equation following "also" makes no sense to me. And iou blew it at the end. STOP when you conclude that $h=k$! Going on to say "This implies $hg=e$" is nonsense. You knew that as one of the assumptions. Finally, it's not "$g$ should be equal to $h$", it's that $k=h$, which you proved two sentences ago. I've just been told by the system to avoid extended discussions in comments. There are several complete correct answers here. I've pretty much said everything I can. You're on your own now.
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 18:52








              • 1




                1) $e, g^{-1},$ and $frac 1g$ are only labels. You can't assume they exist or have the properties they exist unless you declare them to have them. You don't know they exist and have names. In part 1 You need to prove if $alpha$ and $beta$ both act like an identity that $alpha = beta$. It won't make sense to say either is equal to $e$ because $e$ is just a symbol and BOTH $alpha$ and $beta$ deserve it. You need to prove that only one can have the label i.e $alpha = beta$.
                – fleablood
                Nov 26 at 21:48


















              • Since a and b are both identities then their multiplication $ a ast b$ should be equal to either a or b or ab ?
                – Scott
                Nov 26 at 17:16








              • 2




                @Scott Almost. Of course $ab = ab$, so don't bother saying so. Then you know $ab$ is both $a$ and $b$ (better that than "either"). Now you have a proof that they are equal.
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 17:20






              • 1




                @Scott No. All you've done is restate the meaning of "inverse". You are not trying to prove $e$ is the identity. You know that. You want to prove that an element $g$ (use a different letter so you don't mix this up with the first part) has two possibly different inverses $h$ and $k$, What can you conclude about $hgk$?
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 17:41






              • 2




                @scott The equation following "also" makes no sense to me. And iou blew it at the end. STOP when you conclude that $h=k$! Going on to say "This implies $hg=e$" is nonsense. You knew that as one of the assumptions. Finally, it's not "$g$ should be equal to $h$", it's that $k=h$, which you proved two sentences ago. I've just been told by the system to avoid extended discussions in comments. There are several complete correct answers here. I've pretty much said everything I can. You're on your own now.
                – Ethan Bolker
                Nov 26 at 18:52








              • 1




                1) $e, g^{-1},$ and $frac 1g$ are only labels. You can't assume they exist or have the properties they exist unless you declare them to have them. You don't know they exist and have names. In part 1 You need to prove if $alpha$ and $beta$ both act like an identity that $alpha = beta$. It won't make sense to say either is equal to $e$ because $e$ is just a symbol and BOTH $alpha$ and $beta$ deserve it. You need to prove that only one can have the label i.e $alpha = beta$.
                – fleablood
                Nov 26 at 21:48
















              Since a and b are both identities then their multiplication $ a ast b$ should be equal to either a or b or ab ?
              – Scott
              Nov 26 at 17:16






              Since a and b are both identities then their multiplication $ a ast b$ should be equal to either a or b or ab ?
              – Scott
              Nov 26 at 17:16






              2




              2




              @Scott Almost. Of course $ab = ab$, so don't bother saying so. Then you know $ab$ is both $a$ and $b$ (better that than "either"). Now you have a proof that they are equal.
              – Ethan Bolker
              Nov 26 at 17:20




              @Scott Almost. Of course $ab = ab$, so don't bother saying so. Then you know $ab$ is both $a$ and $b$ (better that than "either"). Now you have a proof that they are equal.
              – Ethan Bolker
              Nov 26 at 17:20




              1




              1




              @Scott No. All you've done is restate the meaning of "inverse". You are not trying to prove $e$ is the identity. You know that. You want to prove that an element $g$ (use a different letter so you don't mix this up with the first part) has two possibly different inverses $h$ and $k$, What can you conclude about $hgk$?
              – Ethan Bolker
              Nov 26 at 17:41




              @Scott No. All you've done is restate the meaning of "inverse". You are not trying to prove $e$ is the identity. You know that. You want to prove that an element $g$ (use a different letter so you don't mix this up with the first part) has two possibly different inverses $h$ and $k$, What can you conclude about $hgk$?
              – Ethan Bolker
              Nov 26 at 17:41




              2




              2




              @scott The equation following "also" makes no sense to me. And iou blew it at the end. STOP when you conclude that $h=k$! Going on to say "This implies $hg=e$" is nonsense. You knew that as one of the assumptions. Finally, it's not "$g$ should be equal to $h$", it's that $k=h$, which you proved two sentences ago. I've just been told by the system to avoid extended discussions in comments. There are several complete correct answers here. I've pretty much said everything I can. You're on your own now.
              – Ethan Bolker
              Nov 26 at 18:52






              @scott The equation following "also" makes no sense to me. And iou blew it at the end. STOP when you conclude that $h=k$! Going on to say "This implies $hg=e$" is nonsense. You knew that as one of the assumptions. Finally, it's not "$g$ should be equal to $h$", it's that $k=h$, which you proved two sentences ago. I've just been told by the system to avoid extended discussions in comments. There are several complete correct answers here. I've pretty much said everything I can. You're on your own now.
              – Ethan Bolker
              Nov 26 at 18:52






              1




              1




              1) $e, g^{-1},$ and $frac 1g$ are only labels. You can't assume they exist or have the properties they exist unless you declare them to have them. You don't know they exist and have names. In part 1 You need to prove if $alpha$ and $beta$ both act like an identity that $alpha = beta$. It won't make sense to say either is equal to $e$ because $e$ is just a symbol and BOTH $alpha$ and $beta$ deserve it. You need to prove that only one can have the label i.e $alpha = beta$.
              – fleablood
              Nov 26 at 21:48




              1) $e, g^{-1},$ and $frac 1g$ are only labels. You can't assume they exist or have the properties they exist unless you declare them to have them. You don't know they exist and have names. In part 1 You need to prove if $alpha$ and $beta$ both act like an identity that $alpha = beta$. It won't make sense to say either is equal to $e$ because $e$ is just a symbol and BOTH $alpha$ and $beta$ deserve it. You need to prove that only one can have the label i.e $alpha = beta$.
              – fleablood
              Nov 26 at 21:48











              1














              Let $e,e'$ be identity elements of $G$. Then $e=e'e$, since $e'$ is an identity element, and $e'e=e'$, since $e$ is an identity element.



              Let $u,v$ be inverses of $a$. Then $u= u e = u(av) = (ua)v = ev =v$, where $e$ is the identity element.






              share|cite|improve this answer


























                1














                Let $e,e'$ be identity elements of $G$. Then $e=e'e$, since $e'$ is an identity element, and $e'e=e'$, since $e$ is an identity element.



                Let $u,v$ be inverses of $a$. Then $u= u e = u(av) = (ua)v = ev =v$, where $e$ is the identity element.






                share|cite|improve this answer
























                  1












                  1








                  1






                  Let $e,e'$ be identity elements of $G$. Then $e=e'e$, since $e'$ is an identity element, and $e'e=e'$, since $e$ is an identity element.



                  Let $u,v$ be inverses of $a$. Then $u= u e = u(av) = (ua)v = ev =v$, where $e$ is the identity element.






                  share|cite|improve this answer












                  Let $e,e'$ be identity elements of $G$. Then $e=e'e$, since $e'$ is an identity element, and $e'e=e'$, since $e$ is an identity element.



                  Let $u,v$ be inverses of $a$. Then $u= u e = u(av) = (ua)v = ev =v$, where $e$ is the identity element.







                  share|cite|improve this answer












                  share|cite|improve this answer



                  share|cite|improve this answer










                  answered Nov 26 at 17:59









                  Wuestenfux

                  3,2861411




                  3,2861411























                      0














                      Suppose there exist two identity elements e_1 and e_2
                      then
                      e_1*e_2=e_2*e_1=e_2 (since e_1 is an identity).
                      e_1*e_2=e_2*e_1=e_1 (since e_2 is an identity).
                      So e_1=e_2.



                      If y_1 is an inverse of x and y_2 is another one then :
                      y_1=y_1*e=y_1*(xy_2)=(y_1 x) * y_2=e* y_2=y_2






                      share|cite|improve this answer



















                      • 4




                        Please use MathJax to format mathematical expressions.
                        – Servaes
                        Nov 26 at 17:03








                      • 4




                        Welcome to stackexchange. This is a correct answer. That said, I wish you had waited a little longer to give the OP a chance to use hints to solve the problem, and so learn more.
                        – Ethan Bolker
                        Nov 26 at 17:14










                      • Thank you for the answer, i will consider this after i learn how can i conclude to this answer.
                        – Scott
                        Nov 26 at 17:19










                      • I get the first part and almost understand the second part. Thanks for the help.
                        – Scott
                        Nov 26 at 17:46
















                      0














                      Suppose there exist two identity elements e_1 and e_2
                      then
                      e_1*e_2=e_2*e_1=e_2 (since e_1 is an identity).
                      e_1*e_2=e_2*e_1=e_1 (since e_2 is an identity).
                      So e_1=e_2.



                      If y_1 is an inverse of x and y_2 is another one then :
                      y_1=y_1*e=y_1*(xy_2)=(y_1 x) * y_2=e* y_2=y_2






                      share|cite|improve this answer



















                      • 4




                        Please use MathJax to format mathematical expressions.
                        – Servaes
                        Nov 26 at 17:03








                      • 4




                        Welcome to stackexchange. This is a correct answer. That said, I wish you had waited a little longer to give the OP a chance to use hints to solve the problem, and so learn more.
                        – Ethan Bolker
                        Nov 26 at 17:14










                      • Thank you for the answer, i will consider this after i learn how can i conclude to this answer.
                        – Scott
                        Nov 26 at 17:19










                      • I get the first part and almost understand the second part. Thanks for the help.
                        – Scott
                        Nov 26 at 17:46














                      0












                      0








                      0






                      Suppose there exist two identity elements e_1 and e_2
                      then
                      e_1*e_2=e_2*e_1=e_2 (since e_1 is an identity).
                      e_1*e_2=e_2*e_1=e_1 (since e_2 is an identity).
                      So e_1=e_2.



                      If y_1 is an inverse of x and y_2 is another one then :
                      y_1=y_1*e=y_1*(xy_2)=(y_1 x) * y_2=e* y_2=y_2






                      share|cite|improve this answer














                      Suppose there exist two identity elements e_1 and e_2
                      then
                      e_1*e_2=e_2*e_1=e_2 (since e_1 is an identity).
                      e_1*e_2=e_2*e_1=e_1 (since e_2 is an identity).
                      So e_1=e_2.



                      If y_1 is an inverse of x and y_2 is another one then :
                      y_1=y_1*e=y_1*(xy_2)=(y_1 x) * y_2=e* y_2=y_2







                      share|cite|improve this answer














                      share|cite|improve this answer



                      share|cite|improve this answer








                      edited Nov 26 at 17:04

























                      answered Nov 26 at 17:03









                      Profahk

                      92




                      92








                      • 4




                        Please use MathJax to format mathematical expressions.
                        – Servaes
                        Nov 26 at 17:03








                      • 4




                        Welcome to stackexchange. This is a correct answer. That said, I wish you had waited a little longer to give the OP a chance to use hints to solve the problem, and so learn more.
                        – Ethan Bolker
                        Nov 26 at 17:14










                      • Thank you for the answer, i will consider this after i learn how can i conclude to this answer.
                        – Scott
                        Nov 26 at 17:19










                      • I get the first part and almost understand the second part. Thanks for the help.
                        – Scott
                        Nov 26 at 17:46














                      • 4




                        Please use MathJax to format mathematical expressions.
                        – Servaes
                        Nov 26 at 17:03








                      • 4




                        Welcome to stackexchange. This is a correct answer. That said, I wish you had waited a little longer to give the OP a chance to use hints to solve the problem, and so learn more.
                        – Ethan Bolker
                        Nov 26 at 17:14










                      • Thank you for the answer, i will consider this after i learn how can i conclude to this answer.
                        – Scott
                        Nov 26 at 17:19










                      • I get the first part and almost understand the second part. Thanks for the help.
                        – Scott
                        Nov 26 at 17:46








                      4




                      4




                      Please use MathJax to format mathematical expressions.
                      – Servaes
                      Nov 26 at 17:03






                      Please use MathJax to format mathematical expressions.
                      – Servaes
                      Nov 26 at 17:03






                      4




                      4




                      Welcome to stackexchange. This is a correct answer. That said, I wish you had waited a little longer to give the OP a chance to use hints to solve the problem, and so learn more.
                      – Ethan Bolker
                      Nov 26 at 17:14




                      Welcome to stackexchange. This is a correct answer. That said, I wish you had waited a little longer to give the OP a chance to use hints to solve the problem, and so learn more.
                      – Ethan Bolker
                      Nov 26 at 17:14












                      Thank you for the answer, i will consider this after i learn how can i conclude to this answer.
                      – Scott
                      Nov 26 at 17:19




                      Thank you for the answer, i will consider this after i learn how can i conclude to this answer.
                      – Scott
                      Nov 26 at 17:19












                      I get the first part and almost understand the second part. Thanks for the help.
                      – Scott
                      Nov 26 at 17:46




                      I get the first part and almost understand the second part. Thanks for the help.
                      – Scott
                      Nov 26 at 17:46



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