{a,-a,0} ∈ Z and inverse under division, plus notation Q

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of the set of integers, particularly focusing on the existence of inverses under division and the appropriate notation for representing elements of the set. Participants explore the definitions of identity and inverse in the context of various operations, including addition, multiplication, and division.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that for a set to have an inverse under an operation, all elements must combine with another element of the set to yield the identity element of that operation.
  • It is noted that the only integers with multiplicative inverses are 1 and -1, while all integers have an additive inverse.
  • There is confusion regarding the distinction between multiplicative and additive inverses, with some participants emphasizing that every integer has an additive inverse.
  • Participants discuss the notation for representing elements of the set of integers, with some arguing that "a, -a, 0 ∈ Z" is correct, while "{a, -a, 0} ∈ Z" is not appropriate as it implies a set is an element of Z.
  • One participant suggests that the multiplicative inverse for the set of integers does not exist since 1/a is not an integer, and they argue that multiplicative inverses are typically considered for rational or real numbers.
  • Another participant states that zero must be excluded for the identity and inverse properties to be fulfilled under division, highlighting that 0/0 is undefined.
  • There is a discussion about the identity property under division for natural numbers and integers, with some participants asserting that integers have an inverse under division except for zero.
  • Concerns are raised about the strictness of definitions regarding identity and inverse, particularly in relation to the inclusion of zero in the set of integers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the set of integers has an inverse under division, particularly due to the role of zero. There is no consensus on the strictness of definitions regarding identity and inverse properties, leading to ongoing debate.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight that the definition of identity and inverse may depend on the specific set being considered, such as integers with or without zero. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of mathematical properties and notation.

Logical Dog
Messages
362
Reaction score
97
{a,-a,0} ∈ Z

For a set to have inverse under an operation, all elements must be able to be combined with another element of the set under that operation, after which the product of combination under said operation yields the identity element of that operation.

My question is, this is a strict definition, but the set of integers under division, does it have an inverse or not?
0/0=undefined. So, Zero is the element which does not fall under this defnition, indeed, 0/0 is undefined. But the definition must be strictly followed? there is also no element which 0 can be divided by to give one...

Second question about notation, { } are used to denote sets. But if we want to denote generalised elements like a, -a, and 0 and say they are elements of the set of integers, do we use brackets or exclude them?

a,-a,0 ∈ Z OR {a,-a,0} ∈ Z
 
Physics news on Phys.org
We care about integers with multiplication having an inverse. That is: given ##x \in \mathbb{Z}## does there exist ##y \in \mathbb{Z}## such that ##xy=yx=1##.
The only integers with multiplicative inverses are 1 and -1.
You seem to be confusing multiplicative inverse with additive inverse (and it's trivial to see every integer has one of the latter).

The notation ##a, -a, 0 \in \mathbb{Z}## is correct. ##\{a, -a, 0\} \in \mathbb{Z}## means the set containing the elements a, -a and 0 is an element of ##\mathbb{Z}## which is not true.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Logical Dog
pwsnafu said:
We care about integers with multiplication having an inverse. That is: given ##x \in \mathbb{Z}## does there exist ##y \in \mathbb{Z}## such that ##xy=yx=1##.
The only integers with multiplicative inverses are 1 and -1.
You seem to be confusing multiplicative inverse with additive inverse (and it's trivial to see every integer has one of the latter).

The notation ##a, -a, 0 \in \mathbb{Z}## is correct. ##\{a, -a, 0\} \in \mathbb{Z}## means the set containing the elements a, -a and 0 is an element of ##\mathbb{Z}## which is not true.

Thank you for your anser, the notation bit i got, but maybe I am being more dense than needed, the rest,I did not understand. Please bare with me...

I believe the multiplicative inverse for the number set of all integers does not exist, as 1/a is not an element of the integers. ....the integers do have the identity property under multiplication, as 1*a = a for all a except zero.

Z={-∞….-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3…∞}When we say multiplicative inverse we usually mean it for the set of rational or real numbers. as 1/a is an element of these two sets...

correct?
 
zero must be excluded if identity and inverse are to be fullfilled.

Under the set of natural numbers: Identity and inverse exists for all N under division, but not multiplication.

For the natural numbers, we find that the identity element under division is ONE. Any n divided by one, gives n.

Multiplication: a*1= a, 1*1=1. - this is the identity property of multiplication. Therefore, to get the identity element and find whether an inverse property exists for all N under multiplication we must multiply by 1/a. However, 1/a is not in the set of natural numbers.

Division= a/1 = a. This is the identity property of division. To get the inverse, we do a/a = 1 for all natural numbers.

My question was, the definition of identity and inverse states that all elements must be included, in inverse, all elements must be able to be combined with their fellow members of the number set in order to produce the identity element of that operation.

1,2,3 ... 1/1 = 1, 2/1 = 2, 3/1 = 3. We see that the natural numbers have identity under division, with the identity element being one.

1,,2,3... 1/1=1, 2/2= 1, 3/3=1
. We see that the natural numbers also have inverse under division, when any N is divided by itself, we get the number one, which is also the identity element under division.

But, when integers are considered....0/1 = 0. 0/0 = undefined. We have a problem of not all elements being applicable to the strict definitions, therefore I ask, does the number set of all integers have inverse under division? we see that if we divide all integers by themselves we get one, also the identity element of division.

0/1=0 0/0 =undefined. these are the two exceptions where the identity property of division of one does not work, and 0/0 is undefined.

Natural numbers had identity under multiplication with one, until you add 0 to the set, 0*1= 0 . My question is, the definition includes ALL elements, including zero. So how strict is it?
 
a,-a,0 ∈ Z

The additive inverse property: a+ -a=0,0+0=0
If any integer a, is added to –a (or vice versa) then the result is always 0. 0 + 0 = 0 too.


The additive identity property: ∓a+0=∓a
If any integer±a is added to 0,the result is the same integer.


Thus,under the operation of addition,we can see two things:
1.Each integer has an additive inverse to which,if it is added to yields 0.
2. For the operation of addition, the identity element is also 0.
Therefore,we say integers have inverse property under addition

The multiplicative inverse:a* 1/a=1……1/a∉ Z
The set of integers does not have an inverse under mutliplication,as 1/a is not an integer,but a rational.

The subtractive inverse: a-a=0, (-a)- (-a)=-a+a=0
The identity element under subtraction is 0 as: ±a-0= ±a

Thus, integers have an inverse under subtraction.
Note: any number, positive or negative, subtracted with itself, will always yield 0

inverse under division: a/a=1.Each integer divided by itself yields one,except for the integer 0

a/0=undefined for all a including a=0.
Identity element of division:a/1=a.
Thus,we say the integers have inverse under division for all elements except zero.
 
Bipolar Demon said:
Under the set of natural numbers: Identity and inverse exists for all N under division, but not multiplication.
Division as operation is tricky because it is not symmetric. If 1 is the identity you would expect this to work for both arguments, e. g. 1/5 = 5 which is not true. Better stick to addition and multiplication as operations.
Bipolar Demon said:
My question was, the definition of identity and inverse states that all elements must be included
All elements in your set. You can choose the set to be "the integers without 0" for example.

Please stop using larger fonts and bold everywhere, that makes the post harder to read.
 
mfb said:
Division as operation is tricky because it is not symmetric. If 1 is the identity you would expect this to work for both arguments, e. g. 1/5 = 5 which is not true. Better stick to addition and multiplication as operations.All elements in your set. You can choose the set to be "the integers without 0" for example.

Please stop using larger fonts and bold everywhere, that makes the post harder to read.

ok, thanks. Sorry, usually this is how i make my notes because of my poor vision..i forget everyone has different preferences
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K