# If x=x^-1 for all x in G, then it's the same in H, for isomorphisms.

## Homework Statement

G and H are isomorphic.
Prove that if x-1=x for all x in G, then x-1=x for all x in H.

## Homework Equations

G is isomorphic to H means there is an operation preserving bijection from G to H.

## The Attempt at a Solution

I need a point in the right direction.

I like Serena
Homework Helper
Pick an operation involving x and x^-1 and map it?

Or perhaps you should look up the exact definition of an inverse?

Thank goodness you're here!

Okay, so um, $$\theta (x) = y$$ ?

inverse means $$x*x^{-1} = e$$

I like Serena
Homework Helper
Thank goodness you're here!

Thanks!
It's nice to feel appreciated!

Okay, so um, $$\theta (x) = y$$ ?

inverse means $$x*x^{-1} = e$$

What about $$\theta (x*x^{-1}) ?$$

Inverse in a group G means according to the axioms:
For each a in G, there exists an element b in G such that a • b = b • a = e​

So let's pick an element a in H.
Can you find an (the!) inverse b that satisfies the axiom, with the help of the isomorphism you have?

$$\theta (x*x^{-1})=\theta (x)*\theta (x^{-1})$$
$$\theta (e_G)=e_H=\theta (x)*\theta (x^{-1})$$
let $\theta (x)=a$
then $e_H=a*\theta (x^{-1})$
thus, the inverse of $\theta (x)=a$ in H is $\theta (x^{-1})$

Yes?

Oh wait, but since $x=x^{-1} , \theta (x^{-1})=\theta (x)= a$
Thus, each a in H, a=a-1

Did I prove it? Did I prove it? :D

I like Serena
Homework Helper
Yep!

Hooray! Thank you very much. That was the most painless problem ever :)

I like Serena
Homework Helper
Ah, but then, when things *click*, most of them are painless.
Perhaps you should revisit older problems in time...