Group Theory: Proving Subgroup of Elements of Order 2 and e

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

In the discussion, participants analyze the proof that the elements of order 2 and the identity element e in a commutative group G form a subgroup. The key properties to verify include closure, associativity, the existence of an identity element, and the existence of inverses. Specifically, the proof requires demonstrating that for any elements a and b of order 2, the product ab also has order 2, which can be shown by evaluating c = ab and confirming that c^2 = e using the commutativity of G.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of group theory concepts, specifically commutative groups.
  • Familiarity with subgroup criteria, including closure, identity, and inverses.
  • Knowledge of properties of elements of order 2 in groups.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation and proof techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of commutative groups in more detail.
  • Learn about subgroup tests and criteria for subgroup verification.
  • Explore examples of groups with elements of order 2, such as Klein four-group.
  • Investigate the implications of commutativity on group structure and subgroup formation.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students of abstract algebra, particularly those studying group theory, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of subgroup properties and proofs.

HuaYongLi
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


G is a commutative group, prove that the elements of order 2 and the identity element e form a subgroup.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know where to even begin.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Given any subset H \subset G, how would you attempt to prove that it is a subgroup of G? What properties of H would you attempt to verify?
 
Well I guess associativity, unique inverse and identity element are all trivial.
What I'm having trouble with is closure, proving that for any elements a and b in the group, ab is also in the group.
 
You need to prove that if a and b are elements of order 2 (i.e. a^{2} = b^{2} = e), then so is c = a b. You need to evaluate c^{2} and use the commutativity of the group.
 
Thank You
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K