Abstract algebra, show that phi is a homomorphism

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that a function φ is a homomorphism in the context of abstract algebra, specifically within group theory. Participants emphasize the need to demonstrate that φ satisfies the condition π(g · g_i) = π(g) ∘ π(g_i) for elements g, g_i in a group G. The injectivity of φ is acknowledged as trivial, as each element g maps to a unique element in the symmetric group. The conversation highlights the importance of manipulating indices and expressions to establish the homomorphic property.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of group theory concepts, particularly homomorphisms.
  • Familiarity with symmetric groups and their properties.
  • Knowledge of function composition and notation in abstract algebra.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving group elements.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of homomorphisms in group theory.
  • Learn about symmetric groups and their role in abstract algebra.
  • Explore the concept of injective functions and their significance in mathematics.
  • Practice proving homomorphic properties with various examples in group theory.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on abstract algebra, group theory, and homomorphisms. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of algebraic structures and their properties.

usn7564
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Homework Statement


25ow3d4.png


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm very new to this kind of maths, so don't quite know how to get started. If I understood the question at all we have

g_i \mapsto \phi_i

and so I have a homomorphism if I can show that

\pi(g \cdot g_i) = \pi(g) \circ \pi(g_i)

I'm thinking it's trivially injective (might be way off here) because each g maps to a unique element in the symmetric group so there's not much to show.

But to show the homomorphism? Frankly don't have a clue
j = \phi_g (i)
\pi(g \cdot g_i) = \pi(g_j) = \phi_{g_j}

\pi(g) \circ \pi(g_i) = \phi_g \circ \phi_{g_i}

and then I come to a halt. How do I approach this?
 
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usn7564 said:

Homework Statement


25ow3d4.png


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm very new to this kind of maths, so don't quite know how to get started. If I understood the question at all we have

g_i \mapsto \phi_i

and so I have a homomorphism if I can show that

\pi(g \cdot g_i) = \pi(g) \circ \pi(g_i)

I'm thinking it's trivially injective (might be way off here) because each g maps to a unique element in the symmetric group so there's not much to show.

But to show the homomorphism? Frankly don't have a clue
j = \phi_g (i)
\pi(g \cdot g_i) = \pi(g_j) = \phi_{g_j}

\pi(g) \circ \pi(g_i) = \phi_g \circ \phi_{g_i}

and then I come to a halt. How do I approach this?
It is trivially injective, so I'll let you show that in all of its glory if you really want to.

If it's alright with you, I'm going to drop the multiplication signs and just juxtapose two elements to multiply them.

We wish to show that ##\phi_{gg_i}=\phi_g\phi_{g_i}=\phi_{g_j}## for ##g,g_i,g_j\in G##. Do you see how to continue?
 
Mandelbroth said:
It is trivially injective, so I'll let you show that in all of its glory if you really want to.

If it's alright with you, I'm going to drop the multiplication signs and just juxtapose two elements to multiply them.

We wish to show that ##\phi_{gg_i}=\phi_g\phi_{g_i}=\phi_{g_j}## for ##g,g_i,g_j\in G##. Do you see how to continue?
Not quite no, I mean I realize I have to find the connection between the expressions but don't know how to go about it. I'm assuming the j is a key here but as far as I can tell the permutation is more or less arbitrary so think I'm missing what information is entailed in the j.
 
usn7564 said:
Not quite no, I mean I realize I have to find the connection between the expressions but don't know how to go about it. I'm assuming the j is a key here but as far as I can tell the permutation is more or less arbitrary so think I'm missing what information is entailed in the j.

It can be a little awkward to express. Let's write down indices for everything we will need first. Suppose ##g_i##, ##g_j## and ##g_k## are any elements of your group. Then ##g_i g_j g_k=g_m## for some m. And ##g_j g_k=g_n## for some n. So then we also have ##g_i g_n=g_m##. Now you want to show ##\phi_{g_i g_j}(k)=\phi_{g_i}( \phi_{g_j}(k))##. Work out both sides. Start by telling me what ##\phi_{g_i g_j}(k)## is in terms of the indices we've defined. And showing it's injective is easy, but you do have to say why.
 
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