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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the group of positive rational numbers under multiplication, denoted as Q+, is isomorphic to a proper subgroup of itself. The proposed isomorphism is defined by the function phi: Q+ --> G, where phi(x) = x². The proof demonstrates that G is a subgroup of Q+ by confirming that it contains the identity element and is closed under the group operation. It also establishes that phi is both one-to-one and onto, confirming the isomorphism. Minor notational issues were noted, such as the need for clearer definitions and explicit injectivity arguments.

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  • Understanding of group theory concepts, specifically isomorphisms.
  • Familiarity with the properties of positive rational numbers (Q+).
  • Knowledge of subgroup criteria and closure properties.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation involving square roots and exponents.
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  • Explore the concept of subgroups and their characteristics in detail.
  • Learn about the implications of injective and surjective functions in mathematical proofs.
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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!
 

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