Is there a mistake in the proof for G being isomorphic to R(theta)?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the isomorphism between the group G defined as {e^itheta; theta in R} and the group of rotations in the plane represented by 2x2 matrices. Participants are examining the implications of the definitions and properties of these groups.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition of G and its periodic nature, questioning the implications of assuming equality between elements in G. There is also discussion about the conditions under which two matrices representing rotations can be considered equal.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the definitions and properties of the groups involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the periodicity of the exponential function and the implications for the isomorphism, but no consensus has been reached on the specific issues raised.

Contextual Notes

There are concerns about the clarity of the definition of G and the assumptions made regarding the equality of angles in the context of the isomorphism. The periodic nature of the exponential function and its impact on the group structure is also under consideration.

Nusc
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Let G = {e^itheta);theta in R}

Show that G is isomorphic to the group of rotations in the plane given by 2x2 matrices.

Define phi:G->R(theta)

1-1: Consider e^ix, e^iy in G

Assume phi(expix)) = phi(expiy)) and we want to show exp(iy)=exp(iy)

Group ofrotations R(theta) is the matrix:

cosx -sinx = cosy -siny
sinx cosx siny cosy

But that implies cosx = cosy
which is not necessarily true.

What's wrong here?
 
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Really you're better off saying

G:= {exp(it) : t in [0,2pi) }

since exp is periodic on R, thus the elements when theta equals x x+2pi, x+4pi, etc, are all the same in G, and that might be confusing you.

I see no problem with the fact that those two matrices being equal implies cos(x)=cos(y) and sin(x)=sin(y).
 
Nusc said:
Let G = {e^itheta);theta in R}

Show that G is isomorphic to the group of rotations in the plane given by 2x2 matrices.

Define phi:G->R(theta)

1-1: Consider e^ix, e^iy in G

Assume phi(expix)) = phi(expiy)) and we want to show exp(iy)=exp(iy)

Group ofrotations R(theta) is the matrix:

cosx -sinx = cosy -siny
sinx cosx siny cosy

But that implies cosx = cosy
which is not necessarily true.

What's wrong here?
I don't think that's what you meant to say. The group of rotations consists of all matrices of the form
[tex]\left[\begin{array}{cc}cos \theta & -sin \theta \\ sin \theta & cos \theta\end{array}\right][/tex]
It is not required that two matrices be equal nor is there any x or y.
You know that [itex]e^{i\pi\theta}e^{i\pi\phi}= e^{i\pi(\theta+\phi)}[/itex]. What is the product
[tex]\\left[\begin{array}{cc}cos \theta & -sin \theta \\ sin \theta & cos \theta\end{array}\right]\left[\begin{array}{cc}cos \phi & -sin \phi \\ sin \phi & cos \phi\end{array}\right]?<br /> Now apply the sine and cosine sum formulas:<br /> [tex]sin(\theta+ \phi)= cos(\theta)sin(\phi)+ sin(\theta)cos(\phi)[/tex]<br /> [tex]cos(\theta+ \phi)= cos(\theta)cos(\phi)- sin(\theta)sin(\phi)[/tex][/tex]
 
To show that something is one-to-one, I'm not sure why you multiplied exp(i*pie*theta) with exp(i*pie*phi).

How can not showing that phi(x) = Phi(b) => a = b, not be required?
 
Last edited:
It is required. However, it is not at all clear what your confusion is. I still have no idea what you mean by 'that is not necessarily true' in you post. If phi(a)=phi(b), then obvisouly cos(a)=cos(b) and sin(a)=sin(b) which is iff and onl if a=b (mod 2pi, like I said, your G is not very well defined).
 

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