Definition:Identity (Abstract Algebra)

Definition
Let $$\left({S, \circ}\right)$$ be an algebraic structure.

Left Identity
An element $$e_L \in S$$ is called a left identity iff:
 * $$\forall x \in S: e_L \circ x = x$$

Right Identity
An element $$e_R \in S$$ is called a right identity iff:
 * $$\forall x \in S: x \circ e_R = x$$

Identity
An element $$e \in S$$ is called a two-sided identity or simply identity iff it is both a left identity and a right identity:
 * $$\forall x \in S: x \circ e = x = e \circ x$$

Alternative names
Other terms which are seen that mean the same as identity are:
 * Neutral element;
 * Unit element or Unity but these are not recommended as it is too easy to confuse them with their other usages;
 * Zero, but it is best to reserve that term for when it is particularly appropriate.

Also see

 * Identity is Unique