Binary Operations - Introductory Abstract Algebra

This course introduces binary operations—the basic building blocks of algebraic structures. We explore how operations combine elements of a set, and what it means for them to be associative, commutative, or have an identity or inverse. These ideas form the core of how structures like groups and rings are defined. Clear, hands-on, and designed for anyone beginning their journey into abstract algebra.

Payment required for enrolment
Enrolment valid for 12 months
This course is also part of the following learning tracks. You may join a track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.
[UI, Ibadan] MAT 211/213: Abstract Algebra
[UI, Ibadan] MAT 211/213: Abstract Algebra
This learning track brings together the essential building blocks of abstract algebra in one clear, structured path. We begin with the fundamentals—set theory, relations, and mappings—to build the logical foundation for working with algebraic systems. Then we move into binary operations, groups, subgroups, and homomorphisms, helping you develop the tools to recognize structure and symmetry. The track wraps up with rings, fields, and key ideas from elementary number theory that tie everything together. Curated for second-year undergraduates in engineering and physical sciences at the University of Ibadan, but equally valuable for any learner stepping into abstract algebra for the first time. Clear, focused, and paced to guide you with both depth and intuition.

This learning track brings together the essential building blocks of abstract algebra in one clear, structured path. We begin with the fundamentals—set theory, relations, and mappings—to build the logical foundation for working with algebraic systems. Then we move into binary operations, groups, subgroups, and homomorphisms, helping you develop the tools to recognize structure and symmetry. The track wraps up with rings, fields, and key ideas from elementary number theory that tie everything together. Curated for second-year undergraduates in engineering and physical sciences at the University of Ibadan, but equally valuable for any learner stepping into abstract algebra for the first time. Clear, focused, and paced to guide you with both depth and intuition.

[OAU, Ife] MTH 205: Introduction to Algebra
[OAU, Ife] MTH 205: Introduction to Algebra
This track offers a clear guide to the core ideas of modern algebra — from the fundamentals of Set Theory, Relations, and Mappings to the study of Groups, their important parts called Subgroups, and the links between them known as Homomorphisms. The material concludes with other key structures like Rings, Fields, and some Elementary Number Theory. Beyond the theory, the courses train you to think logically and solve complex problems. These skills are essential in computer science for areas like cryptography and algorithm design, and they form a basis for higher-level mathematics. MTH 205: Introduction to Algebra is designed for second-year mathematics and computer science students at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. It is also valuable for other students and professionals who want a solid grasp of abstract mathematics.

This track offers a clear guide to the core ideas of modern algebra — from the fundamentals of Set Theory, Relations, and Mappings to the study of Groups, their important parts called Subgroups, and the links between them known as Homomorphisms. The material concludes with other key structures like Rings, Fields, and some Elementary Number Theory. Beyond the theory, the courses train you to think logically and solve complex problems. These skills are essential in computer science for areas like cryptography and algorithm design, and they form a basis for higher-level mathematics. MTH 205: Introduction to Algebra is designed for second-year mathematics and computer science students at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. It is also valuable for other students and professionals who want a solid grasp of abstract mathematics.

Course Chapters

1
Introduction

Definition of binary operations, signs and symbols, binary operation on a set.

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2
Closure

Definition of closure property, examples of closure in binary operations.

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3
Asssociativity

Definition of associativity, notational conventions, examples of associative operations.

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4
Commutativity

Definition of commutativity, examples of commutative operations.

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5
Distributivity

Definition of distributivity, examples involving one operation distributing over another.

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6
Identity Element

Definition of identity element, examples in various binary operations.

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7
Inverse Element

Definition of inverse element, examples of invertibility under binary operations.

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8
Cayley Tables

Meaning and construction of Cayley tables, Latin square property, related structural concepts.

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