Is the Product of A and An in a Cyclic Group of Order n Outside the Group?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of elements in a cyclic group of order n, specifically examining the product of an element A and its nth power, A^n. Participants explore whether this product results in an element outside the group.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that in a cyclic group of order n, the product A * A^n should equal A^(n+1), which they argue is not an element of the group.
  • Another participant counters that in a finite cyclic group, A^(n+1) equals the identity element of the group.
  • A subsequent reply clarifies that A^n equals the identity, leading to the conclusion that A^(n+1) equals A.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the interpretation of the product A * A^n, with some participants asserting it leads outside the group while others argue it results in the identity element, indicating a lack of consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of the identity element in relation to the cyclic group's structure, nor does it clarify the assumptions about the properties of cyclic groups that lead to differing conclusions.

yicong2011
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Given a cyclic group of order n, with all its elements in the form :

A, A2, A3, ..., An

where A is an arbitrary element of the group.



According to the definition of group,

"The product of two arbitrary elements A and B of the group must be an element C of the group",

That is to say,

AB = C = an element of G


I just wonder that within a cyclic group, the product of element A and An should be An+1, yet An+1 is not one of the element of a cyclic group of order n.
(since, all elements within a cyclic group of order n should has the form :

A, A2, A3, ..., An

where A is an arbitrary element of the group.

)
 
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In a finite cyclic group of order n and generated by the element [itex]A[/itex]
[itex]A^{n+1} =[/itex] the identity element of the group
 
Stephen Tashi said:
In a finite cyclic group of order n and generated by the element [itex]A[/itex]
[itex]A^{n+1} =[/itex] the identity element of the group

Don't you mean An = 1? So then An+1 = A.
 
spamiam said:
Don't you mean An = 1? So then An+1 = A.

You're right.
 

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