What is the implication of this algebraic problem?

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In summary, the conversation discusses proving an implication in which #x,y,z# are arbitrary integers with a greatest common divider of 1, and #(G,*)# is abelian. The corollary is used to show that if #b^y = e#, then #b^1 = b^{1-y}#. However, the conversation ends with the question of whether #b# is a power of itself, possibly due to cyclicity. The conversation also mentions looking at #e^{xy} = e^{yz} = e^{xz} = a^{xyz} = b^{xyz} = (ab)^{xyz}#.
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Homework Statement


Let ##x,y,z## be arbitrary integers and the GCD: greatest common divider between any two is ##1##. Let ##(G,\cdot )## be abelian. Prove the implication:
[tex]
a,b\in G\left (a^x = b^y = (ab)^z = e\Longrightarrow a=b=e\right )
[/tex]
where ##e## is the unit element of ##G##.

Homework Equations


Corollary: For every integers ##x,y## there exist integers ##u,v## such that ##xu+yv = GCD(x,y)##

The Attempt at a Solution


If we look at what ##b## is equal to:
[tex]
b^y = e \Leftrightarrow b^yb^{1-y} = eb^{1-y} \Leftrightarrow b^1 = b^{1-y}
[/tex]
As ##x,y,z## have no common dividers, they have to be nonzero otherwise, for instance ##GCD(x,0) = x##, which is not necessarely ##1##.
At this point I'm stuck. If ##b^1 = b^{1-y}## and provided also ##y\neq 0##, then ##b\in G## is equal to one of its powers. Cyclicity?
 
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  • #2
Have you looked at ## e^{xy}=e^{yz} = e^{xz} = a^{xyz} = b^{xyz} = (ab)^{xyz} ##?
 

1. What is the abelian problem in algebra?

The abelian problem in algebra refers to whether or not two algebraic structures, such as groups or rings, are isomorphic if and only if they have the same order. This question was first posed by mathematician Niels Henrik Abel in the 19th century and remains an important open problem in algebra.

2. Why is the abelian problem important?

The abelian problem is important because it has implications for many areas of mathematics, including number theory, geometry, and topology. It also has connections to other open problems, such as the Inverse Galois Problem and the Langlands Program.

3. What is the status of the abelian problem?

The abelian problem remains unsolved and is considered to be one of the most challenging open problems in algebra. Many mathematicians have attempted to find a solution, but so far none have been successful.

4. What are some proposed solutions to the abelian problem?

Some proposed solutions to the abelian problem include using category theory, algebraic topology, and representation theory to develop new techniques for studying isomorphism classes of algebraic structures. Other approaches involve studying special cases or using numerical methods to gather data.

5. Can the abelian problem be solved?

As of now, it is unknown whether the abelian problem can be solved. However, many mathematicians continue to work on this problem and make progress towards finding a solution. It is possible that a breakthrough in a related area of mathematics could lead to a solution for the abelian problem.

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