Commutative semigroup is a mathematical concept that is spelled /kəˈmjuːtətɪv ˈsɛmɪɡruːp/. The first syllable is pronounced with the unstressed schwa vowel sound, followed by the stress on the second syllable which is pronounced as "mew". The ending "-ative" is pronounced as "uh-tiv", and "semigroup" is pronounced as "semi-group", with both syllables stressed. This term refers to a set of elements and a binary operation that is both associative and commutative.
A commutative semigroup is a mathematical structure that satisfies both commutativity and associativity properties. It consists of a set of elements along with an operation, which is often denoted as '+'.
To define a commutative semigroup, we start by describing the commutativity property. For any two elements 'a' and 'b' in the set, the operation '+', when applied to them, yields the same result regardless of the order in which they are combined, i.e., a + b = b + a. This property ensures that the operation is commutative.
Furthermore, a commutative semigroup must also satisfy the associativity property, which states that the result of combining three elements should not depend on the grouping of the operation, i.e., (a + b) + c = a + (b + c). This property guarantees that the operation is associative.
Together, the commutativity and associativity properties define a commutative semigroup. It is worth noting that unlike a group, which additionally includes an identity element and inverse elements, a semigroup only requires the operation to be commutative and associative.
Commutative semigroups have a range of applications in various mathematical fields, such as abstract algebra, number theory, and logic. They provide a framework to study operations that exhibit commutativity and associativity properties, enabling the development of mathematical models and theorems.
The etymology of the word "commutative semigroup" can be broken down as follows:
- "Commutative" is derived from the Latin word "commutare" which means "to change altogether" or "to exchange". It stems from the prefix "com-" meaning "together" and the root "-mutare" meaning "to change". In mathematics, the term "commutative" refers to an operation or property that satisfies the commutative law, which states that changing the order of operands does not change the result.
- "Semi-" is a prefix derived from the Latin word "semi-" meaning "half" or "partially". In mathematics, the prefix "semi-" is used to indicate that a certain property or structure is partially satisfied or exhibited.
- "Group" is a word that dates back to the 19th century and originates from the German word "Gruppe".