Unique Identities: Proving O₁ = O₂ in Theorem for Proof of Identity

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The discussion centers on proving the theorem that the identities of addition, O₁ and O₂, are unique, expressed as O₁ = O₂. Participants express confusion about how to begin the proof and suggest setting specific values for x to clarify the identities. The conversation highlights the distinction between left and right identities in addition, emphasizing their roles in maintaining the value of x. There is mention of group theory principles, indicating that one-sided identities must be the same, even in non-commutative contexts. The thread seeks guidance on how to effectively demonstrate the uniqueness of these identities.
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Homework Statement
Prove the identity of plus.
Relevant Equations
Declaration: O₁, O₂ : ℤ

Axiom “Left-identity of +”: x = O₁ + x
Axiom “Right-identity of +”: x = x + O₂

Now, prove the following.
Theorem “Identities of + are unique”: O₁ = O₂
Theorem “Identities of + are unique”: O₁ = O₂
Proof:
O₁
= Left Identity of +
O₁ + x

I'm a little confused where to begin this proof, I don't know if that is the first step either I think it is. Proofs are not a strength of mine so I struggle to see how to show that O₁ = O₂. Any guidance would be appreciated, thank you.
 
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Take your two defining equations and set ##x=0_1## in one and ##x=0_2## in the other.
 
ver_mathstats said:
Homework Statement:: Prove the identity of plus.
Relevant Equations:: Declaration: O₁, O₂ : ℤ

Axiom “Left-identity of +”: x = O₁ + x
Axiom “Right-identity of +”: x = x + O₂

Now, prove the following.
Theorem “Identities of + are unique”: O₁ = O₂

Left Identity of +
At first glance, I didn't know what you were trying to do, but maybe it's a language translation thing.

A more usual phrasing would be "O is the additive identity" or "O1 is the left-additive identity".
My point is that O1 and O2 are the left/right addition identities, the things that you can add to a number without changing it.

In a similar vein there is the concept of a multiplicative identity.
 
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Mark44 said:
At first glance, I didn't know what you were trying to do, but maybe it's a language translation thing.
One can define only one sided neutrals in group theory and show that they have to be the same, even in non commutative groups. I just don't recall whether one one sided neutral is already sufficient, or whether both are needed.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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