On Two-generated Non-commutative Algebras Subject to the Affine Relation

Abstract

We consider algebras over a field K, generated by two variables x and y subject to the single relation yx = qxy + ax + by + c for q in K^* and a, b, c in K. We prove, that among such algebras there are precisely five isomorphism classes. The representatives of these classes, which are ubiquitous operator algebras, are called model algebras. We derive explicit multiplication formulas for y^m*x^n in terms of standard monomials x^i*y^j for many algebras of the considered type. Such formulas are used in establishing formulas of binomial type and in implementing non-commutative multiplication in a computer algebra system. By using the formulas we also study centers and ring-theoretic properties of the non-commutative model algebras.