Linear equations and regularity conditions on semigroups. (Q1882668)

A word \(u(c,x_1,x_2,\dots,x_n)\) in the free semigroup on \(\{c,x_1,x_2,\dots,x_n\}\) is ``linear'' if it is linear in the ``variables'' \(x_1,x_2,\dots,x_n\) and involves the ``constant'' \(c\) at least once. The authors show that any linear equation of the form \(c=u(c,x_1,x_2,\dots,x_n)\) is equivalent to one of sixteen distinct types (four of which involve an exponent on one of the appearances of \(c\)). A semigroup \(S\) ``satisfies the regularity condition'' \(c=u(c,x_1,x_2,\dots,x_n)\) if the equation \(a=u(a,x_1,x_2,\dots,x_n)\) is solvable for every \(a\) in \(S\). For example, \(c=cxc\) is the ordinary regularity condition. \textit{R. Croisot} [Ann. Sci. Éc. Norm. Supér., III. Sér. 70, 361-379 (1953; Zbl 0053.00902)] studied right regularity (\(c=c^mx\), \(m\geq 2\)), left regularity (\(c=xc^n\), \(n\geq 2\)) and complete regularity (\(c=c^mxc^n\), \(m,n\geq 2\)). Various generalizations have been considered over the years. Using their classification of linear equations in combination with previously known equivalences, the authors prove that every such regularity condition is equivalent to one of fourteen inequivalent conditions. They also provide an implication diagram for them.