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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Binary operation * on \( R-\{-1\} \) defined by
\( a^{*} b=\frac{a}{b+1} \) is
MathematicsBinomial TheoremKCETKCET 2017
Options:
  • A \( { }^{*} \) is associative and commutative
  • B \( { }^{*} \) is associative but not commutative
  • C \( { }^{*} \) is neither associative nor commutative
  • D \( { }^{*} \) is commutative but not associative
Solution:
2998 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: \( { }^{*} \) is neither associative nor commutative
Given that
\[
\begin{array}{l}
a * b=\frac{a}{b+1} \\
\text { So, } b * a=\frac{b}{a+1}
\end{array}
\]
Since, \( a * b \neq b^{*} a \)
It is not commutative.
Now, \( \left(a^{*} b\right)^{*} c=\left(\frac{a}{b+1}\right)^{*} c \) \( =\frac{\left(\frac{a}{b+1}\right)}{c+1}=\frac{a}{(b+1)(c+1)} \) \( a *(b * c)=a^{*} \frac{b}{c+1} \) \( =\frac{a}{\left(\frac{b}{c+1}+1\right)}=\frac{a(c+1)}{(b+c+1)} \) Since, \( (a * b)^{*} C \neq a *\left(b^{*} c\right) \) It is not associative. Therefore, \( { }^{*} \) is neither commutative nor associative.
Therefore, \( { }^{*} \) is neither commutative nor associative.

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