Definition
Given a set S and two binary operators · and + on S, we say that the operation ·
- is left-distributive over + if, given any elements x, y, and z of S,
-
- x · (y + z) = (x · y) + (x · z);
- is right-distributive over + if, given any elements x, y, and z of S:
-
- (y + z) · x = (y · x) + (z · x);
- is distributive over + if it is left- and right-distributive.
Notice that when · is commutative, then the three above conditions are logically equivalent.
Read more about this topic: Distributive Property
Famous quotes containing the word definition:
“Although there is no universal agreement as to a definition of life, its biological manifestations are generally considered to be organization, metabolism, growth, irritability, adaptation, and reproduction.”
—The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition, the first sentence of the article on life (based on wording in the First Edition, 1935)
“Scientific method is the way to truth, but it affords, even in
principle, no unique definition of truth. Any so-called pragmatic
definition of truth is doomed to failure equally.”
—Willard Van Orman Quine (b. 1908)
“Its a rare parent who can see his or her child clearly and objectively. At a school board meeting I attended . . . the only definition of a gifted child on which everyone in the audience could agree was mine.”
—Jane Adams (20th century)