Identity Elements Math Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 2

medium
Show that multiplying any number by 1 doesn't change it. Use \(23 \times 1\) and \(1 \times 23\). Also show what happens with \(23 \times 0\).

Solution

  1. 1
    \(23 \times 1 = 23\). One group of 23 is still 23.
  2. 2
    \(1 \times 23 = 23\). Same result.
  3. 3
    \(23 \times 0 = 0\). Zero groups of anything is 0.
  4. 4
    Identity for multiplication: \(a \times 1 = a\). Zero property: \(a \times 0 = 0\).

Answer

\(23 \times 1 = 23\); \(23 \times 0 = 0\)
1 is the multiplicative identity. Multiplying by 1 leaves a number unchanged. Multiplying by 0 always gives 0.

About Identity Elements

Special numbers that leave any other number unchanged under a given operation: 0 for addition, 1 for multiplication.

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