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Whenever the associative property (xy)z = x(yz) breaks down, we venture into nonassociative mathematics. This field typically divides into two main branches: nonassociative algebras (including Lie and Jordan algebras) and the study of quasigroups and loops (which encompasses aspects of latin square theory).
Our research at DU primarily concentrates on quasigroups and loops. A quasigroup consists of a set equipped with a binary operation where the equation x·y=z always has exactly one solution when any two variables are known. Loops extend this concept by including an identity element.
Loop theory employs diverse methods drawn from group theory, combinatorial mathematics, universal algebra, and computer-assisted proof systems. Much of the research centers on specific loop varieties, like Moufang loops that obey the identity ((xy)x)z = x(y(xz))).