Binary operation

3.2 BASIC CONCEPT

let consider the following equations

𝑥 ∗ 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 4, 𝑚∆𝑛 = 𝑚 + 𝑛 − 𝑚𝑛, and 𝑎𝜊𝑏 = 𝑎2 − 2𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏 3

We can see that all the three formulae are having only two variables,
∗ in the formula 𝑥 ∗ 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 4, just means we want to combined
𝒙 and 𝒚 using the formula 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 − 𝟒

∗ is just representing the formula 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 − 𝟒

∗ the combination of 𝑥 and 𝑦 using the formula 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 4

∆ the combination of 𝑚 and 𝑛 using the formula 𝑚 + 𝑛 − 𝑚𝑛
𝝄 the combination of 𝑎 and 𝑏 using the formula 𝑎2 − 2𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏 3

A binary operation on a finite set is a calculation that combines

two elements of a set to produce another element of a set by a
mathematical operation.

Example 3.1
A binary operation * is defined on the 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑅 of real numbers by
𝑎
(a) 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 (b) 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 (c) 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 =
𝑏
(d) 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 (e) 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 8
if 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 3 , Evaluate each of them.

Solution
(a) we combined 2 ∗ 3 using the operation 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏
we substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 3 into 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏
⟹2∗3 =2+3=5

(b) we combined 2 ∗ 3 using the operation 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏

we substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 3 into 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏
⟹2∗3= 2×3=6

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𝑎
(c) we substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 3 into 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 =
𝑏
2
⟹2∗3=
3

(d) we substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 3 into 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎

⟹ 2∗3=2

(e) we substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 3 into 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 8

⟹ 2∗3=8
Any two values will give 8

Example 3.2
A binary operation * is defined on the 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑅 of real numbers.
if 𝑥 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 4 . Evaluate the following
(a) 𝑥 ⊗ 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 8𝑦 2 (b) 𝑥 ⊗ 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 + (𝑥 − 𝑦)
(c) 𝑥 + 𝑦 ⊗ 𝑥 − 𝑦 = 8(𝑥 − 𝑦 ) + 5(𝑥 + 𝑦)2 − 8(𝑥 − 𝑦)
2 2 2

Solution
(a) we substitute 𝑥 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 4 into 𝑥 ⊗ 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 8𝑦 2
⟹ 3⊗4= 3 2+2 3 4 +8 4 2
= 9 + 24 + 128
= 161

(b) we substitute 𝑥 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 4 into 𝑥 ⊗ 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑥 − 𝑦

⟹3⊗4= 3+4 + 3−4
= 7 + −1
=6

(c) for this type (𝑥 + 𝑦) becomes the new 𝑥 and (𝑥 − 𝑦) will be the new 𝑦
𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 7 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 − 𝑦 = −1
⟹ 7 ⊗ −1 = 8 𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑥 − 𝑦 2 + 5 𝑥 + 𝑦 2 − 8 𝑥 − 𝑦
= 8 7 −1 2 + 5 7 2 − 8 −1
= 392 + 245 + 8
= 645

Example 3.3

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A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers.

If 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏, find 𝑎 𝑖𝑓, 𝑎 ∗ 7 = 60

Solution
⟹ 𝑎∗7 =𝑎+7 but 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 60
⟹ 𝑎 + 7 = 60
⟹ 𝑎 = 60 − 7
⟹ 𝑎 = 53

Example 3.4
A binary operation * is defined on the 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑅 of real numbers.
if = 1, 𝑏 = 2, 𝑐 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑 = 4 .
Evaluate the following
(a) 𝑎, 𝑏 ∗ 𝑐, 𝑑 = (𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑑) (b) 𝑎, 𝑏 ∗ 𝑐, 𝑑 = (𝑎 + 𝑐, 𝑏𝑑)

Solution
(a) we substitute 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 2, 𝑐 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑 = 4 into
⟹ 𝑎, 𝑏 ∗ 𝑐, 𝑑 = (𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑑)
⟹ 1,2 ∗ 3,4 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = (10)

(b) ⟹ 1,2 ∗ 3,4 = 1 + 3, 2 × 4 = (4,8)

Example 3.5
A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers.
If 𝑈 = 1,2,3,4,5 , 𝐴 = 2,3,4 , 𝐵 = {1,4,5}
Evaluate (a) 𝐴 ∗ 𝐵 = 𝐴𝑈𝐵 (b) 𝐴 ∗ 𝐵 = 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵
(c) 𝐴𝑈𝐵 ∗ 𝐴⋂𝐵 = (𝐴⋃𝐵),
Solution
(a) ⟹ 2,3,4 ∗ {1,4,5} = {1,2,3,4,5}
(b) ⟹ 2,3,4 ∗ {1,4,5} = {4}
(c) for this question 𝐴𝑈𝐵 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐵
1,2,3,4,5 ∗ 4 = (1,2,3,4,5), = {}

Example 3.6
A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by
𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑎𝑏, Construct a table for the set 𝐴 = 1,2,3,

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Solution
first we select a number from the vertical part and then we operate with each
member in the horizontal part
⟹ 1 ∗ 1 = 1 + 1 − 1 1 = 2 − 1 = 1,
⟹ 1∗2 = 1+2− 1 2 =3−2=1
⟹ 1∗3 = 1+3− 1 3 =4−3=1
⟹ 2∗1 = 2+1− 2 1 =3−2=1 * 1 2 3
⟹ 2∗2 = 2+2− 2 2 =4−4=0
⟹ 2 ∗ 3 = 2 + 3 − 2 3 = 5 − 6 = −1 1 1 1 1
⟹ 3∗1 = 3+1− 3 1 =4−3=1 2 1 0 -1
⟹ 3 ∗ 2 = 3 + 2 − 3 2 = 5 − 6 = −1
⟹ 3 ∗ 3 = 3 + 3 − 3 3 = 6 − 9 = −3 3 1 -1 -3

Example 3.7
A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by
𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 evaluate (a) (2) ∗ (3 ∗ 4) (b) (2 ∗ 3) ∗ (3 ∗ 4)

Solution
(a) first we solve bracket (3 ∗ 4) = (3 + 4) = 7
Now (3*4) becomes 7
⟹ 2 ∗ 3∗4 = 2 ∗ 7
=2+7
=9

(b) first solve bracket 2 ∗ 3 = 2 + 3 = 5 and (3 ∗ 4) = (3 + 4) = 7

Now (2 ∗ 3) becomes 5 and (3 ∗ 4) become 7
⟹ 2∗3 ∗ 3∗4 = 5 ∗ 7
=5+7
= 12
Example 3.8
A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the set
𝐴 = {𝑚, 𝑛, 𝑝, 𝑡}, shown by the table below.
Evaluate the following (i) 𝑚 ∗ 𝑛 𝑖𝑖 𝑝 ∗ 𝑡, 𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑚 ∗ 𝑛 ∗ 𝑝
𝑖𝑣 𝑡 ∗ 𝑛 ∗ 𝑡 ∗ 𝑡 𝑣 𝑛∗𝑝 ∗ 𝑝∗𝑛

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⨁ m n p t
m t p m n
n t m n p
p m n p t
t p m t n
Solution
(i) 𝑚 ∗ 𝑛 = 𝑝 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡h𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑖 𝑝 ∗ 𝑡 = 𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡h𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒
𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑚 ∗ 𝑛 ∗ 𝑝 ,
*we have to reduce this expression to only two elements, so as to use binary
operation to solve them.
*solve the bracket, 𝑚 ∗ 𝑛 = 𝑝
*we replace 𝑚 ∗ 𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑝.
𝑚∗𝑛 ∗𝑝 =𝑝∗𝑝 = 𝑝

(iv) = 𝑡 ∗ 𝑛 ∗ 𝑡 ∗ 𝑡
=𝑚∗𝑛
=𝑝

(v) = 𝑛 ∗ 𝑝 ∗ 𝑝 ∗ 𝑛
=𝑛∗𝑛
=𝑚

Example 3.9
If a binary operation 𝜊 is defined on a set of real numbers by
𝑥𝜊𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑥𝑦. Find 𝑥 when 𝑥𝜊4 = −5.

Solution
⟹ 𝑥𝜊4 = 𝑥 + 4 − 𝑥 4 but 𝑥𝜊4 = −5
⟹ 𝑥 + 4 − 𝑥 4 = −5
⟹ 𝑥 − 4𝑥 = −5 − 4
⟹ −3𝑥 = −9
−3𝑥 −9
⟹ =
−3𝑥 −3
⟹𝑥=3

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Example 3.10
If a binary operation 𝜊 is defined on a set of real numbers by
𝑥𝜊𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑥𝑦, evaluate (a) 2𝜊 3𝜊4 (b) 2𝜊5 𝜊 3𝜊4

Solution
(a) For this example we have to combine element in bracket first so as to
reduce the expression to two elements only.
⟹ 3𝜊4 = 3 + 4 − 3 4
= 7 − 12
= −5,
hence the new expression becomes 2𝜊 −5
⟹ 2𝜊 −5 = 2 + −5 − 2 −5
= −3 + 10
=7

(b) For this example we have to combine element in bracket first so as to

reduce the expression to two elements only.
⟹ 2𝜊 5 = 2 + 5 − 2 5 = 7 − 10 = −3
⟹ 3𝜊4 = 3 + 4 − 3 4 = 7 − 12 = −5,
hence the new expression becomes
⟹ −3 𝜊 −5 = −3 + −5 − −3 −5 = −8 − 15 = −23

Example 3.11
1 1
If a binary operation ∗ is defined on a set of real numbers by 𝑥 ∗ 𝑦 = + .
𝑥 𝑦
Find 𝑎, If 𝑥 ∗ 𝑦 = 𝑎, when 𝑥 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 2

Solution
1 1 5
⟹3∗2= + =
3 2 6
5
but 𝑥 ∗ 𝑦 = 𝑎 hence 𝑎=
6
we square both sides to find 𝑎
5 2 25
⟹𝑎= = .
6 36

Example 3.12
If a binary operation ∗ is defined on a set of real numbers by
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𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 2𝑏 − 1, find 𝑥, if 𝑥 ∗ 𝑥 + 1 = 5,

Solution
First we substitute 𝑥 ∗ 𝑥 + 1 into 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 2𝑏 − 1
⟹ 𝑥∗ 𝑥+1 =𝑥+2 𝑥+1 −1 but 𝑥 ∗ 𝑥 + 1 = 5
⟹ 𝑥+2 𝑥+1 −1= 5
⟹ 𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 2 − 1 = 5
⟹ 3𝑥 = 5 − 1
4
⟹𝑥=
3

Example 3.13
If binary operations ∗, ∇ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 Θ are defined on a set of real numbers by
𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 2𝑏, 𝑥∇y = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚Θn = 2𝑚 + 𝑛3 ,
Evaluate 2 ∗ 3 ∇ 4Θ1

Solution
We evaluate 2 ∗ 3 first using the operation 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 2𝑏
⟹2∗3 = 2+2 3 = 8

We evaluate 4Θ1 first using the operation 𝑚Θn = 2𝑚 + 𝑛3

⟹ 4Θ1 = 2 4 + 1 3 = 9

now becomes, since 2 ∗ 3 equals 8 and 4Θ1 equals 9, 8∇9 replaces

𝟐 ∗ 𝟑 𝛁 𝟒𝚯𝟏
⟹ 8∇9 = 82 − 3 9 = 64 − 27 = 37

3.3 PROPERTIES OF BINARY OPERATION

Closure property
A set of numbers is said to be closed for a specific mathematical operation, if
the result obtained when an operation performed on any two numbers in the
set, is itself a member of the set. If a set of numbers is closed for a particular
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operation then it is said to possess the closure property for that operation.

Addition
2 + 11 = 13, Since 2, 11, and 13 are all whole numbers, and since it is not
possible to find any one example where the sum of two whole numbers gives a
result that is not a whole number, the set of whole numbers possesses the
closure property for addition.

Subtraction
3 − 7 = −4, While 7 and 3 are whole numbers, −4 is not. Since it is possible
to find an example where the difference of two whole numbers yields a result
that is not a whole number, the set of whole numbers does not possess the
closure property for subtraction.

Multiplication
4 × 5 = 20 Since 4, 5, and 20 are all whole numbers, and since it is not
possible to find an example where the product of two whole numbers is not a
whole number, the set of whole numbers is said to possess the closure
property for multiplication.

Division
2
While 2 and 4 are whole numbers = 0.5 is not. Since it is possible to find an
4
example where the quotient of two whole numbers is not a whole number, the
set of whole numbers does not possess the closure property for division.

A set 𝑹 is closed under an operation or collection of operations if for

any two elements 𝒂, 𝒃 ∈ 𝑹, such that 𝒂 ∗ 𝒃 belongs to 𝑹.

Example 3.13
A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑅 of real numbers by the set

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𝐴 = {𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑}, shown by the table below. How whether the operation is
closed
⨁ a b c d
a b d a c
b d c b a
c a b c d
d c a d b

Solution
The first two conditions are already satisfied, thus 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑 ∈ 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝐴
Next we combined any two element to check if they belong to the set.
𝑎 ∗ 𝑐 = 𝑎, 𝑏 ∗ 𝑑 = 𝑎, 𝑏 ∗ 𝑐 = 𝑏, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑 ∗ 𝑎 = 𝑐
Clearly all new elements belong to the 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝐴
Hence the binary operation ⨁ is closed.

Example 3.14
A binary operation * is defined on the 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑅 of real numbers by
𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑎𝑏, Construct a table for the set 𝐴 = 1, 2, 3

Solution
* 1 2 3
1 1 1 1

2 1 0 -1
3 1 -1 -3

The first two conditions are already satisfied, thus 1, 2, 3 ∈ 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝐴

Next we combined any two elements to check if they belong to the set.
3 ∗ 2 = −1, Clearly new element −1 does not belong to the set A
Hence the binary operation ⨁ is not closed.

Example 3.15
A binary operation * is defined on the 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑅 of real numbers by
𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏, for the set 𝐴 = 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
Solution

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First two conditions are already satisfied, thus 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 ∈ 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝐴

Next we combined any two elements to check if they belong to the set.
13 ∗ 5 = 13 + 5 = 18 , Clearly new element 18 does not belong to the set A
Hence the binary operation ⨁ is not closed.

COMMUTATIVE PROPERTY
This is a concept, we have long been using throughout our mathematics life,
for example 𝒙 + 𝒚 + 𝟐𝒙 = 𝒚 + 𝒙 + 𝟐𝒙 = 𝒚 + 𝟑𝒙,
Clearly we had to rearrange 𝑥 + 𝑦 to the form 𝑦 + 𝑥 before we added, and this
rearrangement is what we are going to learn about in the next property.

The word "commutative" comes from "commute" or "move around", so the

commutative property is the one that refers to moving variables around.

For addition, the rule is 𝒂 + 𝒃 = 𝒃 + 𝒂 ; in numbers, this means

𝟐 + 𝟑 = 𝟑 + 𝟐 = 𝟓.

For multiplication, the rule is "𝒂𝒃 = 𝒃𝒂"; in numbers, this means

𝟐 × 𝟑 = 𝟑 × 𝟐 = 𝟔.

Example 3.15

A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by

𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑎𝑏, Construct a table for the set 𝐴 = 1, 2, 3, and show
whether the operation is commutative.

Solution * 1 2 3
1 1 1 1
2 1 0 -1
3 1 -1 -3

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From the table 1 ∗ 2 = 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2 ∗ 1 = 1, 3 ∗ 2 = −1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2 ∗ 3 = −1

hence the operation is commutative.

Example 3.16
A binary operation ⊝ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following,
show whether each is commutative
𝑖 𝑎⊝𝑏 =𝑎+𝑏 𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 − 𝑏 𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏
𝑎 𝑏
𝑖𝑣 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑣 𝑎⊝𝑏=𝑎
𝑏
Solution
(i) For an operation to be commutative 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑏 ∗ 𝑎
𝑎⊝𝑏=𝑎+𝑏 and 𝑏⊝𝑎=𝑏+𝑎
We substitute any two numbers to check whether they are equal. Mostly we let
one of the numbers be positive and the other negative,
𝑙𝑒𝑡 substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = −3 into 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏
⟹ 𝟐 ⊝ −𝟑 = 2 + −3 = 2 − 3 = −𝟏
⟹ −𝟑 ⊝ 𝟐 = −3 + 2 = −3 + 2 = −𝟏
Hence we can say that the operation is commutative

(ii) For an operation to be commutative 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑏 ∗ 𝑎

𝑎⊝𝑏 =𝑎−𝑏 and 𝑏⊝𝑎=𝑏−𝑎
𝑙𝑒𝑡 substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = −3 into 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 − 𝑏
⟹ 2 ⊝ −3 = 2 − −3 = 2 + 3 = 5
⟹ −3 ⊝ 2 = −3 − 2 = −3 − 2 = −5
Hence we can say that the operation is not commutative

(iii) For an operation to be commutative 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑏 ∗ 𝑎

𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 and 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑎 = 𝑏𝑎
𝑙𝑒𝑡 substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = −3 into 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏
⟹ 2 ⊝ −3 = 2 −3 = −6
⟹ −3 ⊝ 2 = −3 2 = −6
Hence we can say that the operation is commutative

(iv) For an operation to be commutative 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑏 ∗ 𝑎

𝑎 𝑏
𝑎⊝𝑏 = and 𝑏⊝𝑎 =
𝑏 𝑎
𝑎 𝑏
𝑙𝑒𝑡 substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = −3 into 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = and 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑎 =
𝑏 𝑎

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2
⟹ 2 ⊝ −3 = −
3
3
⟹ −3 ⊝ 2 = −
2
Hence we can say that the operation is not commutative

(v) For an operation to be commutative 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑏 ∗ 𝑎

𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 and 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑎 = 𝑏𝑎
𝑙𝑒𝑡 substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 3 into 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 and 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑎 = 𝑏𝑎
3
⟹ 2 ⊝ 3 = 2 =8
⟹ 3 ⊝ 2 = 3 2=9
Hence we can say that the operation is not commutative

Example 3.17
A binary operation ⊝ is defined on the 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑅 of real numbers by the following,
show whether each is commutative
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 −𝑏
(𝑖) 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = + (𝑖𝑖) 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = (𝑖𝑖𝑖) 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑎𝑏
𝑏 𝑎 𝑎 +𝑏

Solution
𝑎 𝑏
(i) 𝑙𝑒𝑡 substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 3 into 𝑎⊝𝑏= +
𝑏 𝑎
2 3 13
⟹ 2 ⊝ 3 = + =
3 2 6
3 2 13
⟹ 3 ⊝ 2 = + =
2 3 6

Hence we can say that the operation is commutative

𝑎 −𝑏
𝑖𝑖 𝑙𝑒𝑡 substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 3 into 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 =
𝑎 +𝑏
2−3 1
⟹ 2 ⊝ 3 = =−
2+3 5
3−2 1
⟹ (3) ⊝ (2) = =
3+2 5
Hence we can say that the operation is not commutative

(𝑖𝑖𝑖) 𝑙𝑒𝑡 substitute 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = −3 into 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑎𝑏

⟹ 2 ⊝ −3 = 2 2 + −3 2 − 2 −3 = 4 + 9 + 6 = 19
⟹ (−3) ⊝ (2) = (−3)2 + (2)2 − (−3)(2) = 9 + 4 + 6 = 19

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Binary operation

Hence we can say that the operation is commutative

Example 3.18
A binary operation Δ is defined on the 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑅 of real numbers by the ordered
pair (𝑝, 𝑞), is given by 𝑝, 𝑞 𝛥 𝑟, 𝑠 = 𝑝 + 𝑟, 𝑞𝑠 , show whether the opration
is commutative.

Solution
For an operation to be commutative 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑏 ∗ 𝑎
𝑝, 𝑞 𝛥 𝑟, 𝑠 = r, s Δ (p, q)
∗ p, q Δ (r, s) = (p + r, qs) and r, s Δ (p, q) = (r + p, sp)

⟹ (2,3)Δ(4, (−5)) = 2 + 4, 3(−5) = (6, −15)

⟹ 4, −5 Δ 2,3 = 4 + 2, (−5)3 = (6, −15)

Hence we can say that the operation is commutative

ASSOCIATIVE PROPERTY
The word "associative" comes from "associate" or "group"; the Associative Property
is the rule that refers to grouping of variables.

For addition, the rule is 𝒂 + (𝒃 + 𝒄) = (𝒂 + 𝒃) + 𝒄 in numbers, this means

2 + (3 + 4) = (2 + 3) + 4.
For multiplication, the rule is 𝒂(𝒃𝒄) = (𝒂𝒃)𝒄 in numbers, this means
2(3 × 4) = (2 × 3)4.

Any time we refer to the Associative Property then, we want to regroup

objects; any time a computation depends on things being regrouped, then we
say that the computation uses the Associative Property.

A binary operation ∆ defined on a set 𝑅 of real numbers is

said to be Associative

If 𝒂∆𝒃 ∆𝒄 = 𝒂∆ 𝒃∆𝒄 , all 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 ∈ 𝑅.

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Binary operation

Example 3.19
A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by
𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑎𝑏, Construct a table for the set A = 1,2,3, and show whether
the operation is associative.

Solution
* 1 2 3
1 1 1 1

2 1 0 -1
3 1 -1 -3

From the table 1 ∗ 2 ∗ 3 = 1 ∗ 3 = 1 and 1∗ 2∗3 = 1 ∗ −1 ≠ 1 ,

The operation is not associative.

Example 3.20
A binary operation ⊝ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following,
show whether each is associatative
𝑎
(i) 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 (ii) 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 − 𝑏 (iii) 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 (iv) 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 =
𝑏

Solution
(i) For an operation to be associative 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 = 𝑎 ⊝ (𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐)
*combined a and b in the braket to form 𝑎 + 𝑏
*but because a binary must be only two, we represent 𝑎 + 𝑏 by 𝑘
∗ 𝑎⊝𝑏 ⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑘 ⊝𝑐 =𝑘+𝑐
We then replace 𝑘 =𝑎+𝑏
∗ 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑘 ⊝𝑐 =𝑘+𝑐 =𝑎+𝑏+𝑐

*combined 𝑏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑏+𝑐

*but because a binary must be only two, we represent 𝑏 + 𝑐 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
∗ 𝑎 ⊝ (𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐) 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎⊝𝑘 =𝑎+𝑘
We then replace 𝑘 = 𝑏 + 𝑐
∗𝑎⊝ 𝑏⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎⊝𝑘 =𝑎+𝑘 =𝑎+𝑏+𝑐

𝒂⊝𝒃 ⊝𝒄= 𝒂⊝ 𝒃⊝𝒄 = 𝒂+𝒃+𝒄

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Hence we can say that the operation is associative

(ii) For an operation to be associative 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 = 𝑎 ⊝ (𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐)

*combined 𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑎 − 𝑏

* we represent 𝑎−𝑏 by 𝑘
∗ 𝑎⊝𝑏 ⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑘 ⊝𝑐 =𝑘−𝑐
We then replace 𝑘 = 𝑎 − 𝑏
∗ 𝑎⊝𝑏 ⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑘 ⊝𝑐 =𝑘−𝑐 =𝑎−𝑏−𝑐
∗ 𝒂⊝𝒃 ⊝𝒄 = 𝒂−𝒃−𝒄
*combined 𝑏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑏 − 𝑐
we represent 𝑏 − 𝑐 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
∗𝑎⊝ 𝑏⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎⊝𝑘 =𝑎−𝑘
We then replace 𝑘=𝑏−𝑐
∗𝑎⊝ 𝑏⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎⊝𝑘 =𝑎−𝑘 =𝑎−𝑏−𝑐
∗𝒂⊝ 𝒃⊝𝒄 =𝒂−𝒃−𝒄
𝒂⊝𝒃 ⊝𝒄=𝒂⊝ 𝒃⊝𝒄 = 𝒂−𝒃−𝒄
Hence we can say that the operation is associative

(iii) For an operation to be associative 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 = 𝑎 ⊝ (𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐)

we represent 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
∗ 𝑎⊝𝑏 ⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑘 ⊝ 𝑐 = 𝑘𝑐
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑘 = 𝑎𝑏, 𝑘𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏𝑐
𝒂 ⊝ 𝒃 ⊝ 𝒄 = 𝒂𝒃𝒄

*combined 𝑏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑏𝑐

∗ 𝑎 ⊝ (𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐) 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑘 = 𝑎𝑘
∗ 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝒂 ⊝ 𝒌 = 𝒂𝒃𝒄

𝒂 ⊝ 𝒃 ⊝ 𝒄 = 𝒂 ⊝ 𝒃 ⊝ 𝒄 = 𝒂𝒃𝒄
Hence we can say that the operation is associative

(iv) For an operation to be associative 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 = 𝑎 ⊝ (𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐)

𝑎 𝑎
we represent 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = , 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
𝑏 𝑏
𝑘
∗ 𝑎⊝𝑏 ⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑘 ⊝ 𝑐 =
𝑐

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𝑎
𝑘 𝑏 𝑎 𝑎 1 𝑎
= =
÷𝑐 = × =
𝑐 𝑐 𝑏 𝑏 𝑐 𝑏𝑐
𝒂
𝒂⊝𝒃 ⊝𝒄 =
𝒃𝒄
𝑏
*combined 𝑏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚
𝑐
𝑏
* we represent 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
𝑐
𝑎
∗𝑎⊝ 𝑏⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎⊝𝑘 =
𝑘
𝑏
We then replace 𝑘 =
𝑐
𝑎
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑐 𝒂𝒄
∗ 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑘 = = 𝑏 =𝑎÷ = × =
𝑘 𝑐 𝑐 1 𝑏 𝒃
𝒂𝒄
𝑎⊝ 𝑏⊝𝑐 =
𝒃
𝑎⊝𝑏 ⊝𝑐 ≠𝑎⊝ 𝑏⊝𝑐

Hence we can say that the operation is not associative

Example 3.21
A binary operation ⊝ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following,
show whether each is associatative
1 1 𝑎−𝑏
𝑖 𝑎⊝𝑏 = + 𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 4𝑎𝑏
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎+𝑏

Solution
For an operation to be associative 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 = 𝑎 ⊝ (𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐)
1 1 𝑏+𝑎 𝑏+𝑎
we represent 𝑎⊝𝑏 = + = , 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏
1 1 𝑐+𝑘
∗ 𝑎⊝𝑏 ⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑘 ⊝𝑐 = + =
𝑘 𝑐 𝑘𝑐

𝑏+𝑎 𝑐 𝑏+𝑎 𝑎𝑏𝑐 + 𝑏 + 𝑎

𝑐+𝑘 𝑐+ +
∗ = 𝑎𝑏 =1 𝑎𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏
𝑘𝑐 𝑏 + 𝑎 𝑏+𝑎 𝑏𝑐 + 𝑐𝑎
𝑐 𝑐
𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏
𝑎𝑏𝑐 +𝑏+𝑎 𝑏𝑐 +𝑐𝑎
= ÷
𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏

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𝑎𝑏𝑐 + 𝑏 + 𝑎 𝑎𝑏
= ×
𝑎𝑏 𝑏𝑐 + 𝑐𝑎
𝑎𝑏𝑐 + 𝑏 + 𝑎
=
𝑏𝑐 + 𝑐𝑎
𝒂𝒃𝒄+𝒃+𝒂
𝒂⊝𝒃 ⊝𝒄 =
𝒃𝒄+𝒄𝒂

1 1 𝑐+𝑏 𝑐+𝑏
we represent 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 = + = , 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
𝑏 𝑐 𝑏𝑐 𝑏𝑐
1 1 𝑘+𝑎
∗𝑎⊝ 𝑏⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎⊝𝑘 = + =
𝑎 𝑘 𝑎𝑘

𝑏+𝑐 𝑏+𝑐 𝑎 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑎𝑏𝑐

𝑘+𝑎 +𝑎 +
∗ = 𝑏𝑐 = 𝑏𝑐 1 = 𝑏𝑐
𝑎𝑘 𝑏 + 𝑐 𝑏 + 𝑐 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑐
𝑎 𝑎
𝑏𝑐 𝑏𝑐 𝑏𝑐

𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑎𝑏𝑐 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑐
= ÷
𝑏𝑐 𝑏𝑐
𝑏+𝑐+𝑎𝑏𝑐 𝑏𝑐
= ×
𝑏𝑐 𝑎𝑏 +𝑎𝑐
𝒃+𝒄+𝒂𝒃𝒄
𝒂 ⊝ (𝒃 ⊝ 𝒄) =
𝒂𝒃+𝒂𝒄
Hence we can say that the operation is not associative

(ii) For an operation to be associative 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 = 𝑎 ⊝ (𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐)

𝑎 −𝑏 𝑎−𝑏
we represent 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = , 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
𝑎 +𝑏 𝑎+𝑏
𝑘−𝑐 𝑎 −𝑏
∗ 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑘 ⊝𝑐 = but 𝑘 =
𝑘+𝑐 𝑎 +𝑏

𝑎−𝑏 𝑎−𝑏 −𝑐 𝑎+𝑏 𝑎 − 𝑏 − 𝑎𝑐 − 𝑐𝑏

( )−𝑐
⟹ 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 𝑎+𝑏
𝑎−𝑏 𝑎−𝑏 +𝑐 𝑎+𝑏 𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑎𝑐 + 𝑏𝑐
+𝑐
𝑎+𝑏 𝑎+𝑏 𝑎+𝑏
𝒂 − 𝒃 − 𝒂𝒄 − 𝒃𝒄
⟹ 𝒂⊝𝒃 ⊝𝒄=
𝒂 − 𝒃 + 𝒂𝒄 + 𝒃𝒄
𝑏−𝑐
* we represent 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
𝑏+𝑐

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𝑎−𝑘
∗ 𝑎 ⊝ (𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐) 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑘 =
𝑎+𝑘
𝑏−𝑐
We then replace 𝑘 𝑏𝑦
𝑏+𝑐
𝑎 −𝑘
∗𝑎⊝ 𝑏⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑎⊝𝑘 = 𝑎⊝𝑘 =
𝑎 +𝑘
𝑏−𝑐
𝑏−𝑐 𝑎−( )
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑘 = , 𝑖𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑏+𝑐
𝑏+𝑐 𝑏−𝑐
𝑎+
𝑏+𝑐
𝑏−𝑐 𝑎 𝑏+𝑐 − 𝑏−𝑐 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑐 − 𝑏 + 𝑐
𝑎−( )
⟹ 𝑏+𝑐 = 𝑏+𝑐 = 𝑏+𝑐
𝑏−𝑐 𝑎 𝑏+𝑐 + 𝑏−𝑐 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑐 + 𝑏 − 𝑐
𝑎+
𝑏+𝑐 𝑏+𝑐 𝑏+𝑐
𝒂𝒃 + 𝒂𝒄 − 𝒃 + 𝒄
⟹ 𝒂⊝𝒃 ⊝𝒄=
𝒂𝒃 + 𝒂𝒄 + 𝒃 − 𝒄

𝒂⊝𝒃 ⊝𝒄≠ 𝒂⊝ 𝒃⊝𝒄

Hence we can say that the operation is not associative

(iii) For an operation to be associative 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 = 𝑎 ⊝ (𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐)

𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 4𝑎𝑏 We represent 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 4𝑎𝑏 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
∗ 𝑎⊝𝑏 ⊝𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑘 ⊝ 𝑐 = 𝑘 + 𝑐 + 4𝑘𝑐
⟹ 𝑘 + 𝑐 + 4𝑘𝑐 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 4𝑎𝑏 + 𝑐 + 4 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 4𝑎𝑏 𝑐
= 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 4𝑎𝑏 + 𝑐 + 4𝑎𝑐 + 4𝑏𝑐 + 16𝑎𝑏𝑐
= 𝒂 + 𝒃 + 𝒄 + 𝟒𝒂𝒃 + 𝟒𝒂𝒄 + 𝟒𝒃𝒄 + 𝟏𝟔𝒂𝒃𝒄

*combined 𝑏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 4𝑏𝑐

* we represent 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 4𝑏𝑐 𝑏𝑦 𝑘
∗ 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 becomes 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑘 = 𝑎 + 𝑘 + 4𝑎𝑘 but 𝑘 = 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 4𝑏𝑐

∗ 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑘
𝑎 ⊝ 𝑘 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 4𝑏𝑐 + 4𝑎 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 4𝑏𝑐
= 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 4𝑏𝑐 + 4𝑎𝑏 + 4𝑎𝑐 + 16𝑎𝑏𝑐
= 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 4𝑎𝑏 + 4𝑎𝑐 + 4𝑏𝑐 + 16𝑎𝑏𝑐
𝒂⊝𝒃 ⊝𝒄= 𝒂⊝ 𝒃⊝𝒄
Hence we can say that the operation is associative

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Example 3.22
A binary operation Δ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the ordered
pair (p, q), is given by 𝑝, 𝑞 𝛥 𝑟, 𝑠 = (𝑝 + 𝑟, 𝑞𝑠), show whether the operation
is associative.

Solution
For an operation to be associative
𝑝, 𝑞 𝛥 𝑟, 𝑠 𝛥 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑝, 𝑞 𝛥 [ 𝑟, 𝑠 𝛥 𝑥, 𝑦 ]

We represent 𝑝, 𝑞 𝛥 𝑟, 𝑠 = (𝑝 + 𝑟, 𝑞𝑠) 𝑏𝑦 (𝑘, 𝑡)

∗ 𝑝, 𝑞 𝛥 𝑟, 𝑠 𝛥 𝑥, 𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑘, 𝑡 𝛥 𝑥, 𝑦 = (𝑘 + 𝑥, 𝑡𝑦)
⟹ 𝑘 + 𝑥, 𝑡𝑦 = (𝑝 + 𝑟 + 𝑥, 𝑞𝑠𝑦)
⟹ 𝒑, 𝒒 𝜟 𝒓, 𝒔 𝜟 𝒙, 𝒚 = (𝒑 + 𝒓 + 𝒙, 𝒒𝒔𝒚)

We represent 𝑟, 𝑠 𝛥 𝑥, 𝑦 (𝑟 + 𝑥, 𝑠𝑦) 𝑏𝑦 (𝑘, 𝑡)

∗ 𝑝, 𝑞 𝛥 𝑟, 𝑠 𝛥 𝑥, 𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑝, 𝑞 𝛥 𝑘, 𝑡 = (𝑝 + 𝑘, 𝑞𝑡)
(𝑝 + 𝑘, 𝑞𝑡) = (𝑝 + 𝑟 + 𝑥, 𝑞𝑠𝑦)
𝒑, 𝒒 𝜟 𝒓, 𝒔 𝜟 𝒙, 𝒚 = (𝒑 + 𝒓 + 𝒙, 𝒒𝒔𝒚)

𝒑, 𝒒 𝜟 𝒓, 𝒔 𝜟 𝒙, 𝒚 = 𝒑, 𝒒 𝜟[ 𝒓, 𝒔 𝜟 𝒙, 𝒚 ]

Hence we can say that the operation is associative.

Distributive Property
Let look the example below
𝑎(𝑏 + 𝑐) = 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑐. In numbers form, 2(3 + 4) = 2 × 3 + 2 × 4 .

Any time we refer in a problem to using the Distributive Property, then we want
to take something through the parentheses (or factor something out); any time
a computation depends on multiplying through a parentheses (or factoring
something out), we want to say that the computation used the Distributive
Property.
A binary operation ∆ defined on a set 𝑹 of real numbers is
said to be Distributive if 𝒂 ∗ 𝒃∆𝒄 = 𝒂 ∗ 𝒃 ∆ 𝒂 ∗ 𝒄 , all
𝒂, 𝒃, 𝒄 ∈ 𝑹.

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Example 3.23
Two binary operations * and ⊝ are defined on the set R of real numbers by
𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑎𝑏 and 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 2𝑎 − 𝑏. show whether
(a) * is distributive over ⊝ (b) ⊝ is distributive over ∗

Solution
(a) * is distributive over ⊝ means * will operate on 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 from the distributive
property 𝒂∗ 𝒃⊝𝒄 = 𝒂∗𝒃 ⊝ 𝒂∗𝒄

For 𝒂 ∗ 𝒃 ⊝ 𝒄
we choose any three real numbers and we substitute into 𝒂 ∗ 𝒃 ⊝ 𝒄
let take 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 2 and 𝑐 = 3 first we operate 𝒃 ⊝ 𝒄
⟹ 𝟐⊝𝟑 =2 2 −3=4−3=1

𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 now becomes 1 ∗ 1
⟹1∗ 1 =1+1− 1 1 =2−1=1
Hence 𝒂 ∗ 𝒃 ⊝ 𝒄 = 𝟏

We then evaluate 𝒂 ∗ 𝒃 ⊝ 𝒂 ∗ 𝒄
First we evaluate 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏
⟹ 1∗2 = 1+2− 1 2 =3−2=1

then we evaluate 𝑎 ∗ 𝑐
⟹ 1∗3 = 1+3− 1 3 =4−3=1

𝑎∗𝑏 ⊝ 𝑎∗𝑐 now becomes 1 ⊝ 1

⟹ 1⊝1 = 2 1 −1= 2−1= 1
𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑐 = 1 and 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 ⊝ 𝑎 ∗ 𝑐 = 1
* is distributive over ⊝

(b) * is distributive over ⊝ means ⊝ will operate on 𝑏 ∗ 𝑐 from the distributive

property 𝒂⊝ 𝒃∗𝒄 = 𝒂⊝𝒃 ∗ 𝒂⊝𝒄
For 𝒂 ⊝ 𝒃 ∗ 𝒄

we choose any three real numbers and we substitute into 𝒂 ⊝ 𝒃 ∗ 𝒄

let take 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = 3 first we operate 𝒃 ∗ 𝒄
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⟹ 𝟐 ∗ 𝟑 = 2 + 3 − 2 3 = 5 − 6 = −1
𝒂 ⊝ 𝒃 ∗ 𝒄 now becomes 1 ⊝ −1
⟹ 1 ⊝ −1 = 2 1 − −1 = 2 + 1 = 3
Hence 𝒂 ⊝ 𝒃 ∗ 𝒄 = 𝟑

We then evaluate 𝒂 ⊝ 𝒃 ∗ 𝒂 ⊝ 𝒄

First we evaluate 𝒂 ⊝ 𝒃
⟹ 1⊝2 =2 1 −2=2−2=0

then we evaluate 𝒂 ⊝ 𝒄
⟹ 1 ∗ 3 = 2 1 − 3 = 2 − 3 = −1

𝒂 ⊝ 𝒃 ∗ 𝒂 ⊝ 𝒄 now becomes 0 ⊝ −1
⟹ 0 ∗ −1 = 0 + −1 − 0 −1 = −1

𝒂⊝ 𝒃∗𝒄 ≠ 𝒂⊝𝒃 ∗ 𝒂⊝𝒄

* is not distributive over ⊝

IDENTITY ELEMENT
The concept of identity element plays a very important role in mathematics
The clock as we all know cannot display all possible counting numbers;
however it only displays hours, minutes and seconds up to and
including 24 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠. The set of numbers used by the clock is up to 24 hours, we
will observe that whenever we add 24hours, to any other time let say 𝟑: 𝟎𝟎𝒂𝒎
we get the same time again 𝟑: 𝟎𝟎𝒂𝒎, so we say 24hours is the identity of time.

In mathematics, an identity element or neutral element is an element of a

set with respect to a binary operation on that set; it leaves other elements
unchanged when combined with them. This is used for groups concept and
related concepts.

If we add any real number to zero(0) we get the same number back, hence we
call zero an additive identity. 0 + 4 = 4, 96 + 0 = 96, 37 + 0 = 37. etc.
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If we multiply any real number by one (1) we get the same number back,
hence we call one an multiplicative identity.
1 × 4 = 4, 96 × 1 = 96, 37 × 1 = 37. etc

A set 𝑹 is said to have an identity element 𝒆 with respect

to a binary operation ∆,
If 𝒂∆𝒆 = 𝒂 or 𝒆∆𝒂 = 𝒂 for all 𝒂, 𝒆 ∈ 𝑹.

Example 3.24
A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following,
if the identity element of each.
𝑎
(a) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 (b) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 (c) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = (d) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 10
𝑏

Solution
(a) Let 𝑒 be the identity element, then 𝑎⨁𝑒 = 𝑎 and also 𝑎⨁𝑒 = 𝑎 + 𝑒
⟹𝑎+𝑒=𝑎
⟹𝑒 =𝑎−𝑎
⇒𝑒=0
It means when we operate any element with 0 we get that same number, for
example, 8 + 0 = 8, 24 + 0 = 24, etc

(b) let 𝑒 be the identity element, then 𝑎⨁𝑒 = 𝑎 and also 𝑎⨁𝑒 = 𝑎𝑒
⟹ 𝑎𝑒 = 𝑎
𝑎𝑒 𝑎
⟹ =
𝑎 𝑎
⇒𝑒=1
It means when we operate any element with 1 we get that same number, for
examples are 8 × 1 = 8, 24 × 1 = 24, etc
𝑎
(c) Let 𝑒 be the identity element, then 𝑎⨁𝑒 = 𝑎 and also 𝑎⨁𝑒 =
𝑒
𝑎
⟹ =𝑎
𝑒
⟹ 𝑎𝑒 = 𝑎

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𝑎𝑒 𝑎
⟹ =
𝑎 𝑎
⇒𝑒=1

(d) For this question when we combined any two element we get 10 instead,
hence it has no identity element.

Example 3.25
A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following;
find the identity element of each.
𝑎−𝑏
(a) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 − 𝑏 (b) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = (c) 𝑥⨁𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 + 3
𝑎+𝑏

Solution
(a) let 𝑒 be the identity element, then 𝑎⨁𝑒 = 𝑎 and also 𝑎⨁𝑒 = 𝑎𝑒 − 𝑎
⟹ 𝑎𝑒 − 𝑎 = 𝑎
⟹ 𝑎𝑒 = 𝑎 + 𝑎
⟹ 𝑎𝑒 = 2𝑎
𝑎𝑒 2𝑎
⟹ =
𝑎 𝑎
⟹𝑒=2
𝑎 −𝑏
(b) let 𝑒 be the identity element, then 𝑎⨁𝑒 = 𝑎 and also 𝑎⨁𝑒 =
𝑎 +𝑏
𝑎−𝑒
⟹ 𝑎⨁𝑒 =
𝑎+𝑒
𝑎−𝑒
⟹ =𝑎
𝑎+𝑒
⟹𝑎−𝑒 =𝑎 𝑎+𝑒
⟹ 𝑎 − 𝑒 = 𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑒
⟹ 𝑎𝑒 + 𝑒 = 𝑎 − 𝑎2
⟹ 𝑒 𝑎 + 1 = 𝑎 − 𝑎2
𝑎 − 𝑎2
⟹𝑒=
𝑎+1

(c) let 𝑒 be the identity element, then 𝑥⨁𝑒 = 𝑥 and also 𝑥⨁𝑒 = 𝑥 + 𝑒 + 𝑥𝑒 + 3
⟹ 𝑥 + 𝑒 + 𝑥𝑒 + 3 = 𝑥
⟹ 𝑒 + 𝑥𝑒 + 3 = 𝑥 − 𝑥
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⟹ 𝑒 1 + 𝑥 = −3
−3
⟹𝑒=
1+𝑥

Example 3.26
A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following,
if the identity element of each.
(a) 𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑐, 𝑑 = (𝑎 + 𝑏, 𝑏 + 𝑑) (b) 𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑐, 𝑑 = (𝑎 + 𝑏, 𝑏𝑑)

Solution
(a) let (𝑥, 𝑦) be the identity element, then 𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑥, 𝑦 = (𝑎, 𝑏)
and also 𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑥, 𝑦 = (𝑎 + 𝑥, 𝑏 + 𝑦)
⟹ 𝑎 + 𝑥, 𝑏 + 𝑦 = 𝑎, 𝑏

Equate 𝑎 + 𝑥 = 𝑎 and 𝑏 + 𝑦 = 𝑏
⟹𝑎+𝑥=𝑎 ⟹𝑏+𝑦=𝑏
⟹𝑥=𝑎−𝑎 =0 ⟹𝑦=𝑏−𝑏
⟹𝑥=0 ⟹𝑦=0

the identity element is 0,0

(b) let (𝑥, 𝑦) be the identity element, then 𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑥, 𝑦 = (𝑎, 𝑏)

and also 𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑥, 𝑦 = (𝑎 + 𝑥, 𝑏𝑦)
⟹ 𝑎 + 𝑥, 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑎, 𝑏

Equate 𝑎 + 𝑥 = 𝑎 and 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑏
⟹𝑎+𝑥=𝑎 ⟹ 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑏
⟹𝑥=𝑎−𝑎 𝑏
⟹𝑦= =1
𝑏
⟹𝑥=0
⟹𝑦=1

the identity element is 0,1

Example 3.27

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A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the set

𝐴 = {𝑚, 𝑛, 𝑝, 𝑡}, shown by the table below. Find the identity element

⨁ m n p t
m t p m n
n t m n p
p m n p t
t p m t n

Solution
* To find the identity we check from the table to find an element which when
operated upon by another element, the result obtained is the same as that
element.

* Clearly the any variable combined with 𝑝 gives that same number; hence the
identity element is 𝑝.

*𝑚 ∗ 𝑝 = 𝑚, 𝑛 ∗ 𝑝 = 𝑛, 𝑡 ∗ 𝑝 = 𝑡, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝∗𝑝 = 𝑝

Example 3.28
A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the set
𝐴 = {𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑}, shown by the table below. Find the identity element

⨁ a b c d
a b d a c
b d c b a
c a b c d
d c a d b
Solution
*To find the identity we check from the table to find an element which when
operated upon by another element, the result obtained is the same as that
element.

* clearly the any variable combined with 𝑐 gives that same number, hence the

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identity element is 𝑐.
*𝑎 ∗ 𝑐 = 𝑎, 𝑏 ∗ 𝑐 = 𝑏, 𝑐 ∗ 𝑐 = 𝑐, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑 ∗ 𝑐 = 𝑑

INVERSE ELEMENT

Let go back to our time example again, we all know that the a day’s total time
is 24 hours with two (12 hour difference thus AM and PM), if we add 12 hours
to 3:00pm instead of 24 hours we get another 3:00am instead of 3:00pm, this
we say is the inverse(opposite) of 3:00pm.
The inverse of an element is unique thus each element has it know inverse.

A set 𝑹 is said to have an inverse element 𝒂−𝟏 with respect

to a binary operation ∆ ,
if 𝒂∆𝒂−𝟏 = 𝒆 or 𝒂−𝟏 ∆𝒂 = 𝒆 for all 𝒂, 𝒂−𝟏 , 𝒆 ∈ 𝑹

Example 3.29
A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following,
if the identity element of each is 𝑒, find the inverse.
𝑎
(a) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 (b) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 (c) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = (d) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 10
𝑏

Solution
(a)let 𝑒 be the identity element, and 𝑎 −1 the inverse of any element then
𝑎⨁𝑎−1 = 𝑒 and also 𝑎⨁𝑎−1 = 𝑎 + 𝑎 −1
⟹ 𝑎 + 𝑎 −1 = 𝑒 but 𝑒 = 0
−1
⟹ 𝑎+𝑎 =0
⟹ 𝑎 −1 = −𝑎

(b) let 𝑒 be the identity element, and 𝑎 −1 the inverse of any element then
𝑎⨁𝑎 −1 = 𝑒 and also 𝑎⨁𝑎−1 = 𝑎𝑎−1
⟹ 𝑎𝑎 −1 = 𝑒 but 𝑒 = 1
−1
⟹ 𝑎𝑎 = 1
1
⟹ 𝑎−1 =
𝑎
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(c) let 𝑒 be the identity element, and 𝑎 −1 the inverse of any element then
𝑎
𝑎⨁𝑎−1 = 𝑒 and also 𝑎⨁𝑎 −1 = −1
𝑎
𝑎
⟹ =𝑒 but 𝑒 = 1
𝑎 −1
𝑎
⟹ =1
𝑎−1
⟹ 𝑎−1 = 𝑎

(d) Since it has no identity element it also has no inverse

Example 3.30
A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following,
find the inverse of each, (a) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 − 𝑏
(b) 𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑐, 𝑑 = (𝑎 + 𝑏, 𝑏 + 𝑑) (c) 𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑐, 𝑑 = (𝑎 + 𝑏, 𝑏𝑑)

Solution
(a) let 𝑒 be the identity element, and 𝑎 −1 the inverse of any element then
𝑎⨁𝑎 −1 = 𝑒 and also 𝑎⨁𝑎 −1 = 𝑎𝑎 −1 − 𝑎−1 but 𝑒 = 2
−1 −1
⟹ 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎 = 2
⟹ 𝑎−1 𝑎 − 1 = 2
2
⟹ 𝑎−1 =
𝑎−1

(b) Let (𝑚, 𝑛) be the inverse of any element then

𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑚, 𝑛 = (0,0) and also 𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑚, 𝑛 = (𝑎 + 𝑚, 𝑏 + 𝑛)
But the identity element 𝑥, 𝑦 = (0,0)
⟹ 𝑎 + 𝑚, 𝑏 + 𝑛 = 0,0

Equate 𝑎 + 𝑚 = 0 and 𝑏+𝑛 = 0

⟹𝑎+𝑚=0 ⟹𝑏+𝑛=0
⟹ 𝑚 = −𝑎 ⟹ 𝑛 = −𝑏
The inverse 𝑚, 𝑛 = (−𝑎, −𝑏)

(c) Let (𝑚, 𝑛) be the inverse of any element then

𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑚, 𝑛 = (𝑥, 𝑦) and also 𝑎, 𝑏 ⨁ 𝑚, 𝑛 = (𝑎 + 𝑚, 𝑏𝑛)

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But the identity element 𝑥, 𝑦 = (0,1)

⟹ 𝑎 + 𝑚, 𝑏𝑛 = 0,1
⟹ 𝑏𝑛 = 1
⟹𝑎+𝑚=0
1
⟹ 𝑚 = −𝑎 ⟹𝑛=
𝑏
Equate 𝑎 + 𝑚 = 0 and 𝑏𝑛 = 1
1
The inverse 𝑚, 𝑛 = (−𝑎, )
𝑏

Example 3.31
A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by
𝑎Δ𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 5
If the inverse of 3 under the operation is 7, find the identity element

Solution
let 𝑥 be identity element
⟹ 𝑎Δ𝑎 −1 = 𝑎 + 𝑎−1 − 5 = 𝑥 but 𝑎 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎−1 = 7
⟹ 3+7−5= 𝑥
⟹𝑥=5
the identity element is 5

Example 3.32
A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the set
𝐴 = {𝑚, 𝑛, 𝑝, 𝑡}, shown by the table below. Find the inverse element.

⨁ m n p t
m t p m n
n t m n p
p m n p t
t p m t n

Solution
*We can recall from inverse that every element operation its inverse gives the
identity element, identity element from the table is 𝑝
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Binary operation

*𝑚 ∗ 𝑛 = 𝑝(𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡) hence inverse of 𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑛

*𝑛 ∗ 𝑡 = 𝑝(𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡) hence inverse of 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑡
*𝑝 ∗ 𝑝 = 𝑝(𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡) hence inverse of 𝑝 𝑖𝑠 𝑝
*𝑡 ∗ 𝑚 = 𝑝(𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡) hence inverse of 𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑚

Exercise
(1) A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by
𝑎
(a) 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 5𝑏 − 7𝑎𝑏 (b) 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 6𝑎𝑏 − 3𝑎 (c) 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 5𝑏
(d) 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 (e) 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 78 if 𝑎 = −2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 8
Evaluate each of them.

(2) A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers.

if 𝑥 = 4 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = −6 . Evaluate the following
(a) 𝑥 ⊗ 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 (b) 𝑥 ⊗ 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 𝑦 + (𝑥 − 𝑦)
(c) 𝑥 − 𝑦 ⊗ 𝑥 − 𝑦 = (𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 )3 + (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 − 8(𝑥 − 𝑦)

(3) A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers.

if = −5, 𝑏 = 7, 𝑐 = 4 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑 = −1 . evaluate the following
(a) 𝑎, 𝑏 ∗ 𝑐, 𝑑 = (𝑎 − 𝑏 − 𝑐 − 𝑑) (b) 𝑎, 𝑏 ∗ 𝑐, 𝑑 = (𝑎𝑐, 𝑏𝑑)

(4) A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers.

If 𝑈 = 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑, 𝑒 , 𝐴 = 𝑒, 𝑏, 𝑐 , 𝐵 = {𝑝, 𝑢, 𝑒}
Evaluate (a) 𝐴 ∗ 𝐵 = 𝐴𝑈𝐵 (b) 𝐴 ∗ 𝐵 = 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 (c) 𝐴𝑈𝐵 ∗ 𝐴⋂𝐵 = (𝐴⋃𝐵),

(5) A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by

𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 − 2𝑏 − 3𝑎𝑏, Construct a table for the set 𝐴 = 1,2,4,6

(6) A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by

𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑎𝑏 evaluate (a) (7) ∗ (6 ∗ 4) (𝑏) (2 ∗ 2) ∗ (8 ∗ 9)

(7) A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the set 𝐴 = {𝑚, 𝑛, 𝑝, 𝑡}, shown by
the table below. Evaluate the following (i) 𝑚 ∗ 𝑛 𝑖𝑖 𝑡 ∗ 𝑡, 𝑚∗𝑛 ∗𝑡
𝑖𝑣 𝑡 ∗ 𝑡 ∗ 𝑡 ∗ 𝑡 𝑣 𝑛 ∗ 𝑡 ∗ 𝑛 ∗ 𝑛

⨁ m n p t
m t p m n
n t m n p
p m n p t
t p m t n

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(8) If a binary operation 𝜊 is defined on a set of real numbers by

𝑥𝜊𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑥𝑦. Find 𝑥 when 𝑥𝜊2 = 20

(9) If a binary operation 𝜊 is defined on a set of real numbers by

𝑥𝜊𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 6𝑥𝑦. Evaluate (a) 1𝜊 7𝜊4 and (b) 1𝜊2 𝜊 3𝜊4

(10) If a binary operation ∗ is defined on a set of real numbers by

𝑥 𝑦
𝑥 ∗ 𝑦 = 𝑦 + 𝑥 . find 𝑎, If, 𝑥 ∗ 𝑦 = 𝑎, when 𝑥 = 4 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 1

(11) If a binary operation ∗ is defined on a set of real numbers by

𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 2𝑏. find 𝑦, If, 𝑥 ∗ 𝑥 − 1 = 12,

(12) If binary operations ∗, ∇ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 Θ are defined on a set of real numbers by

𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 3𝑏, 𝑥∇y = 3𝑥 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚Θn = 4𝑚 + 7𝑛3 , evaluate 2 ∗ 2 ∇ 6Θ5

(13) A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the set 𝐴 = {𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑}, shown by
the table below. Find the identity element

⨁ a b c d
a b d a c
b d c b a
c a b c d
d c a d b
(14) A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by
𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 5𝑎𝑏, construct a table for the set 𝐴 = 3,4,6,8

(15) A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by

𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑎𝑏, for the set 𝐴 = 5,7,9,11,13
(16) A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 − 𝑏,
Construct a table for the set 𝐴 = 5,7,9,11,13, and
show whether the operation is commutative.

(17) A binary operation ⊝ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following, show whether
each is commutative
𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 − 5𝑏 𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 6𝑏 𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 6𝑎𝑏
3𝑎
𝑖𝑣 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑏 𝑣 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 5𝑎𝑏

(18) A binary operation ⊝ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following, show whether
each is commutative
1 1 ab
𝑖 𝑎⊝𝑏 = − (𝑖𝑖) 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2
𝑏 𝑎 a-b

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(19) A binary operation Δ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the ordered pair (p, q), is given
(p, q)Δ(r, s) = (p + r, q − s) show whether the opration is commutative.

(20) A binary operation * is defined on the set R of real numbers by

a ∗ b = a + b, Construct a table for the set A = 5,2,3,
and show whether the operation is associative.

(21) A binary operation ⊝ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following, show whether
each is associative
7𝑎
𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 4𝑏 𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 3𝑎 − 𝑏 𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 5𝑎𝑏 𝑖𝑣 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 =
𝑏

(22) A binary operation ⊝ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following, show whether
each is associative
1 1 𝑎+𝑏
𝑖 𝑎⊝𝑏 =𝑎−𝑏 𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎−𝑏 𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 5𝑎𝑏

(23) Two binary operations * and ⊝ 𝑎𝑟𝑒 defined on the set R of real numbers by
𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 = 𝑎 ÷ 𝑏 and 𝑎 ⊝ 𝑏 = 𝑎 × 𝑏. show whether
(a) * is distributive over ⊝ (b) ⊝ is distributive over ∗

(24) A binary operation ⨁ is defined on the set R of real numbers by the following, if the identity
element of each.
4
(a) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 𝑎 − 𝑏 (b) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 5𝑎𝑏 (c) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 𝑏 (d) 𝑎⨁𝑏 = 9

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