For each binary operation $^*$ defined below,determine whether $^*$ is commutative or associative. On $Q$,define $a ^* b = \frac{ab}{2}$.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) On $Q$,the operation $^*$ is defined by $a ^* b = \frac{ab}{2}$.
Commutativity:
We know that $ab = ba$ for all $a, b \in Q$.
Therefore,$\frac{ab}{2} = \frac{ba}{2}$,which implies $a ^* b = b ^* a$ for all $a, b \in Q$.
Thus,the operation $^*$ is commutative.
Associativity:
For all $a, b, c \in Q$,we have:
$(a ^* b) ^* c = \left(\frac{ab}{2}\right) ^* c = \frac{(\frac{ab}{2})c}{2} = \frac{abc}{4}$.
Also,$a ^* (b ^* c) = a ^* (\frac{bc}{2}) = \frac{a(\frac{bc}{2})}{2} = \frac{abc}{4}$.
Since $(a ^* b) ^* c = a ^* (b ^* c)$ for all $a, b, c \in Q$,the operation $^*$ is associative.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Determine whether or not each of the definitions of $*$ given below gives a binary operation. In the event that $*$ is not a binary operation,give justification for this. On $Z^{+}$,define $*$ by $a * b = a$.

Consider the binary operation $\wedge$ on the set $\{1, 2, 3, 4, 5\}$ defined by $a \wedge b = \min\{a, b\}$. Write the operation table of the operation $\wedge$.

In the set of integers $(Z, *)$,if $a * b = a + b - n, \forall a, b \in Z$,where $n$ is a fixed integer,then the inverse of $(-n)$ is:

Show that $*: R \times R \rightarrow R$ given by $(a, b) \rightarrow a+4 b^{2}$ is a binary operation.

Show that $0$ is the identity for addition on $R$ and $1$ is the identity for multiplication on $R$. But there is no identity element for the operations $-: R \times R \rightarrow R$ and $\div : R_* \times R_* \rightarrow R_*$.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo