A very challenging question regarding in basic algebra group theory?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of the condition Aut(G) = S_G, which indicates that the group G must be trivial. This conclusion arises from the properties of isomorphisms, where every function from G to G must be an isomorphism, leading to the necessity of a unique identity element. Additionally, the conversation clarifies the distinctions between symmetry groups, automorphism groups, and permutation groups, emphasizing that automorphism groups are subsets of symmetry groups, with specific examples provided using the group Z4.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of group theory concepts, particularly automorphism groups.
  • Familiarity with the definitions of symmetry groups and permutation groups.
  • Knowledge of isomorphisms and their properties in algebra.
  • Basic comprehension of the group Z4 and its structure.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of automorphism groups in detail.
  • Explore the relationship between symmetry groups and geometric representations.
  • Learn about isomorphisms and homomorphisms in group theory.
  • Investigate examples of permutation groups and their applications in algebra.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, algebra students, and anyone interested in advanced group theory concepts, particularly those exploring the relationships between different types of groups and their properties.

jessicaw
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1.Why [itex]Aut(G)=S_G[/itex] implies G is trivial?
I search through the internet and no answer.2.Here is another very difficult conception question which has different answers from my professor and wikipedia:
Difference between Symmetry group,automorphism group and Permutation group?
From wikipedia:automorphism group is, "loosely" speaking, the symmetry group of the object.
My guess is Symmetry group equals Permutation group? and automorphism group is smaller?
 
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The automorphism group is the set of functions which are group isomorphisms from G to G. So if we have the group Z4, the function f(x) with f(0)=0, f(1)=3, f(2)=2 and f(3)=1 is a group automorphism. The function with f(0)=0, f(1)=2, f(2)=0, f(3)=2 is not a group automorphism, because it's not an isomorphism, nor is f(0)=0, f(1)=2, f(2)=1, f(3)=3 because this isn't even a homomorphism.

Loosely speaking, you could say automorphism is a way to swap group elements that act equivalent: we can swap the 1 with the 3 because both are generators of Z4 (f(1)=3), but we can't swap the 1 and the 2 because they have different orders (f(1)=2).

SG is the set of all functions on G, which is sometimes called the permutation group of G because a permutation is just a general way to swap elements of G.

Symmetry groups refer to symmetries of geometric objects. Unless you have a geometric representation for your group it's not a symmetry group (for example, the set of reflections/rotations that take the unit square to itself in the plane forms a symmetry group)

So the question is asking why, if every function is an isomorphism from G to G, is G the trivial group? Think about properties that isomorphisms must have
 
jessicaw said:
1.Why [itex]Aut(G)=S_G[/itex] implies G is trivial?

In short, because every group has a unique identity element.
 

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