Find Aut(Z n ) for cases n = 2,3,4, and 5

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The discussion focuses on finding the automorphism group Aut(Zn) for n = 2, 3, 4, and 5. It establishes that for the integers Z, the only automorphisms are f(x) = x and f(x) = -x, while f(x) = x + 1 is invalid due to its failure to be injective. For Z2, the functions f(x) = kx and f(x) = x + k, where k is an integer, are identified as valid automorphisms. The order of Aut(Zn) is determined by the Euler totient function φ(n), which is crucial for understanding the structure of these automorphisms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of automorphisms in group theory
  • Familiarity with the Euler totient function φ(n)
  • Basic knowledge of injective functions and their properties
  • Concept of kernels in the context of group homomorphisms
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  • Study the properties of the Euler totient function φ(n) and its applications
  • Learn about injective and surjective functions in group theory
  • Explore the concept of kernels in homomorphisms and their significance
  • Investigate automorphism groups of other algebraic structures, such as rings and fields
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This discussion is beneficial for mathematicians, particularly those specializing in abstract algebra, group theory, and anyone studying the properties of automorphisms in mathematical structures.

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Find Aut(Zn) for cases n = 2,3,4, and 5

My question is to find Aut(Zn) for cases n = 2,3,4, and 5

First, I am a little confused about the case Aut(Z), the integers. I know that the only functions that satisfy Aut(Z) are f(x) = x, and f(x) = -x, but what is wrong with f(x) = x+1?

It would be great if you explain to me how to find automorphic functions, and why the previous example works and doesn't work.

My attempts at Aut(Z2): I think that f(x) = kx and f(x) = x+k, k [tex]\in[/tex] Z are the only functions that apply in this case.

The rest, I believe, are similar, but I just need help before I commit to an answer.

Thank you for your time.
 
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zcdfhn said:
My question is to find Aut(Zn) for cases n = 2,3,4, and 5

First, I am a little confused about the case Aut(Z), the integers. I know that the only functions that satisfy Aut(Z) are f(x) = x, and f(x) = -x, but what is wrong with f(x) = x+1?

It would be great if you explain to me how to find automorphic functions, and why the previous example works and doesn't work.

My attempts at Aut(Z2): I think that f(x) = kx and f(x) = x+k, k [tex]\in[/tex] Z are the only functions that apply in this case.

The rest, I believe, are similar, but I just need help before I commit to an answer.

Thank you for your time.

[tex]f \in Aut (Z)[/tex] implies [tex]f:Z \rightarrow Z[/tex] and [tex]f^{-1}:Z \rightarrow Z[/tex] should be injective. Thus, both the kernels of [tex]f, f^{-1}[/tex] should be identity. That implies the identity is mapped to an identity in Z.

Generally speaking, the set of automorphisms forms a group and the order of [tex]Aut(Z_n)[/tex] is [tex]\phi(n)[/tex] (Euler totient function).
Once you find an automorphism, you need to make sure that the order of each element is same with [tex]x \in Z_n[/tex] and [tex]f(x) \in Z_n[/tex], where f is an automorphism of [tex]Z_n[/tex].
 

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