Idempotence

Pronunciation: /ˈaɪ.dəmˈpoʊ.tns/ Explain

Idempotence is a property of operations where an operation on a particular value returns that same value. For example, 0 is idempotent under addition (0+0=0) and under multiplication (0·0=0). 1 is idempotent under multiplication. (1·1=1).

General Definition

Given an element a of set B and an operation * on set B, a is idempotent under B if and only if a * a = a.

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, idempotent. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 93. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Idempotence. 12/21/2018. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/i/idempotence.html.

Revision History

12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
8/6/2018: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)