Cosets of Subgroups: Is Each Class a Group?

  • Thread starter ehrenfest
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Cosets
In summary, cosets of a subgroup H in a finite group G partition G into equivalence classes. Each coset may form a group if the subgroup H is normal, but it is not always the case. The quotient group, however, can be a group.
  • #1
ehrenfest
2,020
1

Homework Statement


Let H be a subgroup of a finite group G. I understand that the cosets of H partition G into equivalence classes. Is it always true that each of these equivalence classes is a group?

EDIT: clearly is it not always true; let H ={0,4,8,12} in Z_16 and take the right coset with 1; so are there conditions that make it true?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I think the cosets form a group iff the subgroup H is normal.

Edit: sorry I think I misread; are you asking if each coset forms a group or if the collection of cosets forms a group?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Only one coset can be a group. The one containing e. The quotient group (collection of cosets) can be a group as Mathdope alluded to.
 

1. What are cosets of subgroups?

Cosets of subgroups are a set of elements that are formed by multiplying a fixed element (or elements) of a subgroup by all possible elements of the original group. In other words, a coset is a subset of the original group that is formed by multiplying each element of the subgroup by all possible elements of the original group.

2. How are cosets of subgroups related to groups?

Cosets of subgroups are not groups themselves, but they can have similar properties to groups. Each coset is a subset of the original group, and it may have its own identity element, inverse elements, and closure under multiplication. However, a coset does not necessarily have all the properties of a group, such as associativity or a unique identity element.

3. Can a coset of a subgroup be a group?

No, a coset of a subgroup cannot be a group. While a coset may share some similarities with a group, it does not have all the necessary properties to be considered a group. For example, a coset may not be closed under multiplication or may not have an identity element.

4. How are cosets of subgroups used in group theory?

Cosets of subgroups are important in group theory because they allow us to examine the structure of a group. By studying the cosets of a subgroup, we can better understand the relationships between different elements in a group. Cosets are also used in the proof of Lagrange's theorem, which states that the order of a subgroup must divide the order of the original group.

5. Can every element in a group be represented by a coset of a subgroup?

Yes, every element in a group can be represented by a coset of a subgroup. This is because every element in a group can be written as a product of an element in the subgroup and an element in the original group. Therefore, each element in the original group belongs to at least one coset of the subgroup.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
952
Back
Top