Abstract Algebra: Finding Conjugates

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on finding the conjugates of matrices A and B within the group G = {I, A, B, C, D, K} using matrix multiplication. The conjugates of A are identified as K and C, while the conjugates of B are determined through inspection of the group's multiplication table, revealing that B and D are conjugates. The group is confirmed to be nonabelian with an order of 6, isomorphic to S3, and the conjugacy classes are established as the identity, elements of order 2 (A, C, K), and the remaining elements (B, D).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of matrix multiplication and determinants
  • Familiarity with group theory concepts, specifically conjugates
  • Knowledge of nonabelian groups and their properties
  • Basic understanding of isomorphism in group theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of nonabelian groups, particularly those of order 6
  • Learn about conjugacy classes in group theory
  • Explore the relationship between matrices and their determinants in group contexts
  • Investigate the structure and properties of the symmetric group S3
USEFUL FOR

Students of abstract algebra, mathematicians studying group theory, and anyone interested in the properties of matrices and their conjugates.

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Homework Statement


Consider this group of six matrices:

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

I =\begin{bmatrix}1 & 0\\0 & 1\end{bmatrix} A =\begin{bmatrix}0 & 1\\1 & 0\end{bmatrix} B =\begin{bmatrix}0 & 1\\-1 & -1\end{bmatrix}

C =\begin{bmatrix}-1 & -1\\0 & 1\end{bmatrix} D =\begin{bmatrix}-1 & -1\\1 & 0\end{bmatrix} K =\begin{bmatrix}1 & 0\\-1 & -1\end{bmatrix}

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 f:G\rightarrow \left\langle\(R^{*}, \bullet\right\rangle by f(x) = det(x) for any Matrix x \in 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.
 
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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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