[Math] Non-associative operations

abstract-algebrabig-listexamples-counterexamples

There are lots of operations that are not commutative.

I'm looking for striking counter-examples of operations that are not associative.

Or may associativity be genuinely built-in the concept of an operation? May non-associative operations be of genuinely lesser importance?

Which role do algebraic structures with non-associative operations play?

There's a big gap between commutative and non-commuative algebraic structures (e.g. Abelian vs. non-Abelian groups or categories). Both kinds of algebraic structures are of equal importance. Does the same hold for assosiative vs. non-associative algebraic structures?

Best Answer

Subtraction:

$$ (1-2)-3 = -4 $$ $$ 1-(2-3) = 2 $$

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