Polynomial identities that imply commutativity for rings (Q5957201)

The authors consider polynomial identities of the form \(P=Q\), where \(P\) and \(Q\) are monic monomials in two variables that have the same degree in each variable, and that are distinct in the noncommutative associative case. They first show that if both \(P\) and \(Q\) have degree 3, then any 2-torsion free ring with 1 that satisfies \(P=Q\) is commutative. They next show that if both \(P\) and \(Q\) have degree 4, and if the identity \(P=Q\) is not of the type \(xyyx= yxxy\) then any 2- and 3-torsion free ring with 1 that satisfies \(P=Q\) is commutative. This result includes some found in [\textit{E. C. Johnsen, D. L. Outcalt} and \textit{A. Yaqub}, Am. Math. Mon. 75, 288-289 (1968; Zbl 0162.33602), \textit{R. N. Gupta}, Math. Student 39 (1971), 184-186 (1972; Zbl 0271.17003) and \textit{M. S. S. Khan}, Int. J. Math. Math. Sci. 23, 223-224 (2000; Zbl 1009.17500)].