Proving Isomorphism Between Finite Group and Z_2 Using Group Theory

[mathmadx]

Let G be a finite group. For all elements of G (the following holds: g^2=e(the idendity.) So , all except the idendity have order two.

Proof that G is isomorphic to a finite number of copies of Z_2 ( the group of adittion mod 2, Z_2 has only two elements (zero and one).)

I can try to tell you what I have already tried, but please, can someone give a hint in the right direction..? I basically need a bijection from G to (Z_2)^m, but no idea how I can do it( In particular: they should have the same size as they are finite.)

 

[icantadd]

Define \phi : G \rightarrow Z_2, so that it is forced to be surjective; i.e. tell the identity where to go. Show \phi is a hom. Then look at the kernel. There is only one possibility.

 

[mathmadx]

I am sorry, I am not able to see it. I keep on thinking about the fact that m products of Z_2 has order 2^m, which is supposed to be equal to n( the order of the group G..)

I don't even get your advice: How can we tell the identity where to go!? The identity(of G) should always go to idendity(of Z_2). ..

Sorry, I am confused...

 

[mathmadx]

No one who can provide some insights..?

 

[icantadd]

No one who can provide some insights..?

Show the group is isomorphic to Z_2 \times Z_2 \times \ldots, so

G must be commutative since it is the case that forall g, g = g^{-1} (since gg=1)
In particular, ab = (ab)^{-1} = b^{-1}a^{-1} = ba (by assumption) So that G is commutative.

Next, you could use the fundamental theorem of finite abelian groups, says that any abelian finite group is isomorphic to Z_{m_1} \times Z_{m_2} \times \ldots

Next, look to intuitionize what is happening, look at subgroups generated by a single non identity element. There will be the |G|- 1 of them and they will all have order 2. There is only one group of order 2 up to isomorphism. What is the next step?

 

[mathmadx]

We know by cauchy that the order of G is in the form 2^k. Applying this combined with the fundamental theorem is the proof.