Monoid - Monoid Homomorphisms

Monoid Homomorphisms

A homomorphism between two monoids (M,*) and (M′,•) is a function f : MM′ such that

  • f(x*y) = f(x)•f(y) for all x, y in M
  • f(e) = e

where e and e′ are the identities on M and M′ respectively. Monoid homomorphisms are sometimes simply called monoid morphisms.

Not every semigroup homomorphism is a monoid homomorphism since it may not preserve the identity. Contrast this with the case of group homomorphisms: the axioms of group theory ensure that every semigroup homomorphism between groups preserves the identity. For monoids this isn't always true and it is necessary to state it as a separate requirement.

A bijective monoid homomorphism is called a monoid isomorphism. Two monoids are said to be isomorphic if there is an isomorphism between them.

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