Abstract Algebra: Finding Conjugates

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the conjugates of specific matrices within a group defined by matrix multiplication. The group consists of six matrices, and participants are exploring the concept of conjugacy in the context of abstract algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to find the conjugates of matrices A and B, expressing familiarity with the concept but uncertainty about the process. Some participants provide specific calculations for the conjugates of A, while others suggest using the multiplication table for insights. There are questions about whether certain expressions can be considered conjugates.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in calculations and shared insights about the properties of the group, including its nonabelian nature and the identification of conjugacy classes. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between elements and their conjugates, with some guidance provided on the process of finding conjugates.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem as stated, with no additional information provided about the matrices or the group structure beyond what is included in the original post.

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Homework Statement


Consider this group of six matrices:

Let G = {I, A, B, C, D, K}, Matrix Multiplication>

[tex]I =\begin{bmatrix}1 & 0\\0 & 1\end{bmatrix}[/tex] [tex]A =\begin{bmatrix}0 & 1\\1 & 0\end{bmatrix}[/tex] [tex]B =\begin{bmatrix}0 & 1\\-1 & -1\end{bmatrix}[/tex]

[tex]C =\begin{bmatrix}-1 & -1\\0 & 1\end{bmatrix}[/tex] [tex]D =\begin{bmatrix}-1 & -1\\1 & 0\end{bmatrix}[/tex] [tex]K =\begin{bmatrix}1 & 0\\-1 & -1\end{bmatrix}[/tex]

Operation Table for this group:

_|I A B C D K
I |I A B C D K
A|A I C B K D
B|B K D A I C
C|C D K I A B
D|D C I K B A
K|K B A D C I

Define [tex]f:G\rightarrow[/tex] [tex]\left\langle\(R^{*}, \bullet\right\rangle[/tex] by f(x) = det(x) for any Matrix x [tex]\in[/tex] G.Finally, the question. Haha.

Find all the conjugates of A:
Find all the conjugates of B:

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



Now I know this isn't that hard of a concept and I understand what a conjugate is but I don't know how to find them. Any help on how I would go about finding them is greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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For conjugates of A,

G={I, A, B, C, D, K}

I^-1*A*I=A
B^-1*A*B=D*C=K
C^-1*A*C=C*B=K
D^-1*A*D=B*K=C
K^-1*A*K=K*D=C

So K and C are conjugates of A.

Do same procedure to find conjugates of B.
 
Or given the fact that you've worked out the multiplication table, you can see by inspection that it's a nonabelian group of of order 6. (You don't need to check the associative law because that's taken care of by the elements being real matrices under multiplication.)

That means it's isomorphic to S3 and the conjugacy classes are
(i) the identity
(ii) the elements of order 2
(iii) the rest

The identity is I of course.
The elements of order 2 can be read off by finding I on the main diagonal, so A,C,K.
And the rest is B,D.

Of course you need to have proved that there is only one nonabelian group of order 6, and determined the conjugacy classes in S3 first.
 
Ok I understand that. Thanks. One question though, can A or B be considered a conjugate of either x-1Ax or x-1Bx respectively?
 
Yes. For take the identity element, I^-1*A*I=A So A is a conjugate of A, and likewise B is a conjugate of itself.
 

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