A characterization of \(B^*\)-algebras. (English) Zbl 0898.46050

Gaur, A. K.

Int. J. Math. Math. Sci. 20, No. 3, 483-486 (1997).

The following theorem is proved: if \(A\) is a \(B^*\)-algebra with a bounded approximate identity of norm less or equal to 1, then an element of \(A\) is hermitian if and only if it is selfadjoint. It follows that for Banach algebras with a bounded approximate identity of norm less than 1, the condition \(A=H(A)+iH(A)\) is a characterization of \(B^*\) algebras. This result is well-known [see e.g. F. F. Bonsall and J. Duncan, “Numerical ranges of operators on normed spaces and of elements of normed algebras”, Cambridge University Press (1971; Zbl 0207.44802)].

Reviewer: L.Baribeau (Quebec)

MSC:

46K05	General theory of topological algebras with involution
46J15	Banach algebras of differentiable or analytic functions, \(H^p\)-spaces

Keywords:

bounded approximate identity; \(B^*\)-algebras; hermitian elements; selfadjoint elements