Definition:Unital Algebra

Definition
Let $R$ be a commutative ring.

Let $\struct {A, *}$ be an algebra over $R$.

Then $\struct {A, *}$ is a unital algebra the algebraic structure $\struct {A, \oplus}$ has an identity element.

That is:
 * $\exists 1_A \in A: \forall a \in A: a * 1_A = 1_A * a = a$

Notation
The unit of the algebra is usually denoted $1$ when there is no source of confusion with the unit of $R$ (if it is a ring with unity).

Also known as
The term unitary algebra is also encountered, but this should not be confused with unitary Lie algebra and other notions related to a unitary group.

Also defined as
Some sources use the definition of a unital algebra over a field as what is to be understood when the term algebra is used.