Is a Group of Order 15 Always Abelian?

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SUMMARY

A group of order 15 is always abelian, as established through the application of the class equation and the properties of the center Z(G). The discussion highlights that since 15 is the product of two distinct primes, 3 and 5, the group must be cyclic, generated by an element of order 15. The proof eliminates cases where |Z(G)| equals 3 or 5, confirming that |Z(G)| must be greater than 1, leading to the conclusion that the group is abelian. Alternative proofs and generalizations, such as the fundamental theorem of finite abelian groups, are also suggested for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of group theory concepts, particularly the class equation.
  • Familiarity with the properties of cyclic groups and their orders.
  • Knowledge of the fundamental theorem of finite abelian groups.
  • Basic concepts of group center Z(G) and its implications on group structure.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the class equation in detail to understand its role in group theory.
  • Explore the fundamental theorem of finite abelian groups for broader applications.
  • Investigate alternative proofs of the abelian property for groups of order 15.
  • Learn about the implications of group center Z(G) on group structure and classification.
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Mathematicians, particularly those specializing in abstract algebra, students studying group theory, and anyone interested in the properties of finite groups and their classifications.

Jupiter
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I need to prove that a group of order 15 is abelian. I have (tried to) attached my work but it's too long. Basically, I'm looking at the class equation and considering all possibile orders of the center Z(G). I've successfully eliminated the cases where |Z|=3,5. I'm having trouble with coming up with a contradiction when assuming |Z(G)|=1.
I'm also interested in seeing alternative proofs (perhaps something more elegant), and also a proof that G is in fact cyclic.
Is there any decent generalization of this problem?
 
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Try and look up the fundamental theorem of finite abelian groups. I think it has to do with the fact that 15 is the product of two primes, and that 3*5 is the only decomposion possible. So there is only group of order 15, which is the product of two cyclic groups of order 5 and order 3. Since 3 and 5 are relatively prime, The group of order 15 has an element of order 15 generating it and thus is cyclic.

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Hey Dimitri!

15 = 3*5
So, there will exist elements of orders 3 and 5 say 'a' and 'b'. that's correct. But then how can u conclude that there will exist an element in the group of order 15.
If group were abelian then this fact was true, bcoz then o(ab)= lcm (3,5)=15.
But here we have to prove that group is indeed Abelian.
 

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