A question of order of the product of two elements

In summary, the order of a product of two elements refers to the number of times the product must be applied to an element before it returns to its original state. It can be calculated by finding the lowest common multiple of the orders of the individual elements. It is possible for the order of a product of two elements to be greater than the order of either element individually. There are rules and properties that can make it easier to calculate the order, such as when the elements commute. The concept of order in group theory is closely related to the order of a product of two elements.
  • #1
rulin
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Let [itex]X = \{1,2,\cdots, p\}[/itex] with [itex]p[/itex] prime, and [itex]Y = \{1,2,\cdots,t,i_1,i_2,\cdots,i_{p - t}\}[/itex] with [itex]1\leq t\leq p - 1[/itex] and [itex]i_j\not\in X[/itex] for [itex]1\leq j\leq p - t[/itex]. Supose that [itex]a[/itex] and [itex]b[/itex] are both [itex]p[/itex]-rotation in [itex]X[/itex] and [itex]Y[/itex], respectively. Whether or not [itex]p[/itex] don't divide the order of [itex]ab[/itex]?
 
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Instead of dollar signs, use [ itex ][ /itex ]
 

1. What is meant by the "order" of a product of two elements?

The order of a product of two elements refers to the number of times the product must be applied to an element before it returns to its original state. In other words, it is the smallest positive integer n such that the product of the two elements raised to the power n equals the identity element.

2. How do you calculate the order of a product of two elements?

The order of a product of two elements can be calculated by finding the lowest common multiple of the orders of the individual elements. This can be done using the prime factorization method or by simply listing out the powers of the elements until the identity element is reached.

3. Can the order of a product of two elements be greater than the order of either element individually?

Yes, it is possible for the order of a product of two elements to be greater than the order of either element individually. This can occur when the product of two elements does not have any common factors with the orders of the individual elements.

4. Are there any specific rules or properties for calculating the order of a product of two elements?

Yes, there are some rules and properties that can make it easier to calculate the order of a product of two elements. For example, if the two elements commute (meaning the order in which they are multiplied does not change the result), then the order of the product will be the product of the individual orders.

5. How does the order of a product of two elements relate to group theory?

The concept of order in group theory is closely related to the order of a product of two elements. In group theory, the order of an element is defined as the smallest positive integer n such that the element raised to the power n equals the identity element. This aligns with the definition of the order of a product of two elements, where the product raised to the power of its order equals the identity element.

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