Is x a Group? Testing the 4 Axioms and Multiplication Table Method

In summary, a group in math is a set of elements that follow specific rules of operation. To determine if x is a group, you must check if it satisfies the four group axioms: closure, associativity, identity, and invertibility. A set is closed under an operation if the result of performing that operation on any two elements in the set is also an element of the set. A group must have an identity element, and it cannot have more than one identity element.
  • #1
Nosjack
1
0
Hey guys, I'm having an issue with a question, namely

Let x be a subset of S4. Is x a group?

x = {e, (123), (132), (12)(34)}

I don't really understand how I can test the 4 axioms of a group and how x being a subset of S4 would help?
 
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  • #2
You have only four elements. Why not just write out the entire multiplication table and see if you have a group on your hands?
 

1. What is a group in math?

A group in math is a set of elements that follow specific rules of operation. These rules include closure, associativity, identity, and invertibility.

2. How do you determine if x is a group?

To determine if x is a group, you must check if it satisfies the four group axioms: closure, associativity, identity, and invertibility. If all four axioms are met, then x is a group.

3. What does it mean for a set to be closed under an operation?

A set is closed under an operation if the result of performing that operation on any two elements in the set is also an element of the set. In other words, the operation does not produce a result that is outside of the set.

4. Can x be a group if it doesn't have an identity element?

No, a group must have an identity element, which is an element that, when combined with any other element in the group, results in that same element. Without an identity element, the set cannot satisfy the group axioms.

5. Can x be a group if it has more than one identity element?

No, a group can only have one identity element. If there are multiple identity elements, then the set cannot satisfy the group axioms because there would not be a unique identity element to combine with other elements in the set.

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