Establishing uniqueness of an isomorphism

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around establishing the uniqueness of an isomorphism between two cyclic groups, G and G', of the same order. The original poster attempts to show that there is exactly one isomorphism mapping a generator of G to a generator of G'.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster discusses the existence of an isomorphism and questions how to prove its uniqueness. They consider different claims regarding the nature of isomorphisms and whether to assume multiple mappings to the same generator.

Discussion Status

Some participants are exploring the implications of assuming multiple isomorphisms and discussing the relationship between the generators of the groups. The original poster is seeking clarification on the uniqueness aspect and whether their reasoning is on the right track.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that this is a typical textbook problem and emphasizes that they are looking for guidance rather than a complete solution.

sutupidmath
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Homework Statement


Let G=[a] and G'= be cyclic groups of the same order. Show, that among the isomorphisms [tex]\theta[/tex] from G to G', there is exactly one with [tex]\theta(a)=c[/tex] if and only if c is a generator of G.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have managed to show the existence, only i am not sure how to establish the uniqueness of such an isomorphism. I know that a proof by contradiction would work, only that i am not sure what i have to prove.
To establish the existence i proceded:
=> Let o(G)=m=o(G'), and let [tex]\theta:G->G'[/tex] be an isomorphism given with [tex]\theta(a)=c[/tex] then from here i easily showed that c is a generator of G'.
<= Let's suppose that c is a generator of G', then i also managed to show that the mapping [tex]\theta(a)=c[/tex] is actually an isomorphism.

Here it actually is what i am not sure of. On the second part, should i also show here that such an isomorphism is unique, or i should also on the other side?

Also, i am not sure what my claim should state:
1. Let's suppose that there are more than one isomorphisms given with [tex]\theta(a)=c[/tex], that is let's suppose that both [tex]\theta_1(a)=c, and , \theta_2(a)=c[/tex] are such isomorphisms, or whether my claim should be something like this:
2. Let's suppose that there are more than one such isomorphisms, that is let's suppose that both:

[tex]\theta(a_1)=c, and, \theta(a_2)=c[/tex] are such isomorphisms, where a_1 and a_2 are generators of G?

Or none of these would work?

P.S This, indeed, is NOT a homework problem, i only thought since it is a typical textbook problem, i would receive more answers here.


I would really appreciate any help!
 
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Ok, if 1. would be true then:

from ther we would have:[tex]\theta_1(a)=\theta_2(a)[/tex] now since a is the generator of G, it would mean that this relationship holds true for any element x in G. So, this would mean that [tex]\theta_1[/tex] is the same as [tex]\theta_2[/tex],and thus such an isomorphism is unique.

But this seems too easy to be true, and thus correct, right? Is this close to being the right path?
 
Last edited:
any suggestions?
 
.....
 

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