identity element

noun

: an element (such as 0 in the set of all integers under addition or 1 in the set of positive integers under multiplication) that leaves any element of the set to which it belongs unchanged when combined with it by a specified operation

Examples of identity element in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The third rule is that the group must contain an element that leaves other group elements unchanged, called an identity element. —Leila Sloman, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024

The real numbers have an identity element — the number 1. —Quanta Magazine, 9 June 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for identity element

• multielement

Kids Definition

identity element

noun

: an element of a set that leaves any other element of the set unchanged when combined with it using a given mathematical operation

0 is the identity element of the set of whole numbers under addition