Group Theory, cyclic group proof

In summary, to prove that Z sub n is cyclic, we must find a generator x such that G = {(x^n); n exists in Z}. This can be achieved by taking x = 1 as the generator in the additive operation G = {nx; n exists in Z}. Therefore, Z sub n is cyclic.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Prove that Z sub n is cyclic. (I can't find the subscript, but it should be the set of all integers, subscript n.)

Homework Equations

Let (G,*) be a group. A group G is cyclic if there exists an element x in G such that G = {(x^n); n exists in Z.}

(Z is the set of all integers)

The Attempt at a Solution



* is a binary operation, and for my purposes, is either additive (+) or multiplicative (x).

Multiplicative does not work because the multiplicative inverse of, say, 2 is not an integer. So the operation must be additive. So I can rewrite the equation for (G,+) as:

G = {nx; n exists in Z}

but that's where I get stuck. Thanks for the help!
 
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  • #2
How about taking x = 1 as your generator?
 
  • #3
Every cyclic group has a generator.

What is your generator in this case?

edit: nm already beaten too it
 
  • #4
thanks to both!
 

1. What is Group Theory?

Group Theory is a branch of mathematics that studies the properties and structures of groups, which are sets of elements with a binary operation (such as addition or multiplication) that follow certain rules.

2. What is a cyclic group?

A cyclic group is a group in which all elements can be generated by repeatedly applying a single element, called the generator, using the group operation. This means that every element in the group can be expressed as a power of the generator.

3. How can you prove that a group is cyclic?

To prove that a group is cyclic, you need to show that there exists an element in the group that can generate all other elements using the group operation. This can be done by finding a specific element that, when multiplied by itself multiple times, eventually produces all other elements in the group.

4. What is the proof of the cyclic group theorem?

The cyclic group theorem states that any finite group of order n, where n is a positive integer, is isomorphic to Z/nZ, the additive group of integers modulo n. This means that every finite group can be represented by a cyclic group.

5. How is group theory used in real life?

Group theory has many applications in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and computer science. In physics, it is used to study the symmetries and properties of physical systems. In chemistry, it is used to understand the structure and properties of molecules. In computer science, it is used in coding theory and cryptography to ensure the security and efficiency of data transmission.

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