Properties
Zero is the smallest element: 0 ≤ a for all a in A.
The sum a + b is the least upper bound of a and b: we have a ≤ a + b and b ≤ a + b and if x is an element of A with a ≤ x and b ≤ x, then a + b ≤ x. Similarly, a1 + ... + an is the least upper bound of the elements a1, ..., an.
Multiplication and addition are monotonic: if a ≤ b, then a + x ≤ b + x, ax ≤ bx and xa ≤ xb for all x in A.
Regarding the * operation, we have 0* = 1 and 1* = 1, that * is monotonic (a ≤ b implies a* ≤ b*), and that an ≤ a* for every natural number n. Furthermore, (a*)(a*) = a*, (a*)* = a*, and a ≤ b* if and only if a* ≤ b*.
If A is a Kleene algebra and n is a natural number, then one can consider the set Mn(A) consisting of all n-by-n matrices with entries in A. Using the ordinary notions of matrix addition and multiplication, one can define a unique *-operation so that Mn(A) becomes a Kleene algebra.
Read more about this topic: Kleene Algebra
Famous quotes containing the word properties:
“A drop of water has the properties of the sea, but cannot exhibit a storm. There is beauty of a concert, as well as of a flute; strength of a host, as well as of a hero.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“The reason why men enter into society, is the preservation of their property; and the end why they choose and authorize a legislative, is, that there may be laws made, and rules set, as guards and fences to the properties of all the members of the society: to limit the power, and moderate the dominion, of every part and member of the society.”
—John Locke (1632–1704)