Prove (Q+, *) is isomorphic to a proper subgroup of itself

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The discussion focuses on proving that the group of positive rational numbers under multiplication, Q+, is isomorphic to a proper subgroup of itself. The proposed isomorphism, phi(x) = x^2, is shown to be a valid mapping, with G defined as the image of Q+ under phi. The subgroup properties are established by confirming that the identity element is included and that the inverse of any element in G also lies in G. The mapping is demonstrated to be one-to-one and onto, ensuring that phi preserves the group operation. Overall, the proof is mostly sound, though it requires clarification on notation and some definitions.
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Homework Statement



Prove that Q+, the group of positive rational numbers under multiplication, is isomorphic to a proper subgroup of itself.

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The Attempt at a Solution


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Not at all sure if this is legit.

Let phi: Q+ --> G
phi(x) = x2, x is in Q+
We will demonstrate that G c Q+
It is a subgroup: 1=e is in G, and ab-1 = x2 y-2 = (xy-1)2 is in G
It is a proper subgroup: 2 is in Q+, but sqrt(2) is not in G and indeed not in Q+

One-to-one:
phi(x) = phi(y)
x2 = y2
x, y > 0
x = y

Onto:
Take some g in G. We have that sqrt(g) satisfies phi(sqrt(g)) = sqrt(g)2 = g.
Therefore, there is an element in Q+ such that phi(x)=g.

Operation preservation:
We have phi(x*y) = (xy)2 = x^2y2
phi(x)phi(y) = x2y2
So phi(x*y)=phi(x)*phi(y)

Therefore, phi is an isomorphism between Q+ and a proper subgroup of itself.
 
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Looks fine, beside some minor issues on the notation (the missing definition of G, sqrt cannot be defined, it should be ##\phi^{-1}## (preimage) instead, and the equation under "subgroup" is a bit short, i.e. doesn't introduce a,b, injectivity could be a little more explicitly, i.e. why does x=y follow, resp. what properties of ##\mathbb{Q}## do you use).
 
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Thank you so much again fresh_42!
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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