Definition
Quaternion group
The nonabelian group of eight elements generated by i and j with i²=j²=(ij)²=-1.
The quaternion group is the group
whose multiplication is determined by
Multiplication rules
Thus , , and , while reversing the order of any two of changes the sign.
Properties
The element is central, every element other than and has order , and is nonabelian. The displayed rules give a closed associative multiplication; equivalently, is the subgroup generated by and inside the units of the Hamilton division ring of quaternions.