Question 45

Jambmaths question: 

An operation * is defined on the set of real numbers by $a*b=ab+2(a+b+1)$find the identity element

Option A: 

-2

Option B: 

-1

Option C: 

2

Option D: 

1

Jamb Maths Solution: 

$\begin{align}  & a*b=ab+2(a+b+1) \\ & a*e=ae+2(a+e+1)\text{ }\!\!\{\!\!\text{ }e\text{ is the identity element }\!\!\}\!\!\text{ } \\ & \therefore a*e=a \\ & ae+2(a+e+1)=a \\ & ae+2a+2e+2=a \\ & ae+2e=a-2a-2 \\ & e(a+2)=-a-2 \\ & e(a+2)=-(a+2) \\ & e=\frac{-(a+2)}{(a+2)}=-1 \\\end{align}$

Jamb Maths Topic: 
Year of Exam: