Abstract algebra, show that phi is a homomorphism

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around abstract algebra, specifically focusing on demonstrating that a given function, denoted as phi, is a homomorphism. Participants are exploring the properties of group elements and their mappings within the context of symmetric groups.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the conditions under which phi can be shown to be a homomorphism, particularly through the relationship between group elements and their mappings. Questions arise regarding the injectivity of the mapping and the connections between various expressions involving group elements.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the properties of the function phi, with some participants suggesting ways to express the relationships between group elements. Guidance has been offered on how to approach the problem, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or a clear resolution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of expressing the relationships between group elements and the mappings, indicating that further clarification on the indices and their implications may be necessary for progress.

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.
 
Last edited:

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