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Glite Dictionary
identity operator

identity operator

8.6
A rule that returns the same thing you put in
  • noun
  • /aɪˈdɛntɪti ˈɒpəreɪtə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : operador identidad
  • An example of an identity operator is the function f(x) = x, which yields the input as output.

Examples

  • When you apply the identity operator to any number, it remains unchanged.

  • In mathematics, the identity operator simply returns the value of the element it operates on.

  • Note that in the resulting representation, the operators corresponding to elements of the center of U(p, q) are identity operators.

    Academic text (2018)

Synonyms

identity
vsidentity operator
  • Specialized
15 6.5

A number that does not change other numbers in a math operation

is a specific mathematical function that leaves each input exactly unchanged when applied

Surface Forms

identity operator singular
identity operators plural

Morphology

identity + operator

The compound directly combines 'identity' (a value- or equality-preserving element) with 'operator' (a function or mapping), so it denotes an operator that leaves an element unchanged. Although technical, the meaning is compositionally predictable and parallels similar constructions in other languages, so a learner who knows both constituents should understand it.

Etymology

Identity operator is like a 'do nothing' machine: the operator acts but does not change the identity of the thing. So, when you apply it you get the same item back, which is why it means 'unchanged'.