Proving Non-Abelian Groups Have Unique Elements with Non-Commutative Properties

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of non-abelian groups, specifically focusing on proving the existence of elements with non-commutative properties. Participants explore the implications of the non-commutativity in relation to specific equations involving group elements.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is sufficient to state that in non-abelian groups, if \(xy = yz\) then \(x \neq z\) due to the property \(xy \neq yx\).
  • Another participant clarifies that in non-abelian groups, only some pairs of elements satisfy \(ab \neq ba\), indicating that not all elements exhibit non-commutative behavior.
  • A participant suggests that the argument should specify that the non-commutative property applies to some elements \(x\) and \(y\) in the group, and if \(xy = yz\) for some \(z\), then \(x\) must not equal \(z\).
  • Further discussion includes the consideration of identity and inverse elements in relation to the properties of non-abelian groups.
  • One participant proposes a specific equation involving the elements, questioning if \(z\) can be expressed as \(z = y^{-1}xy\) and suggests exploring the implications of this equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the sufficiency of the arguments presented regarding the properties of non-abelian groups. There is no consensus on whether the initial claim about the uniqueness of elements is adequately supported or requires further detail.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the non-commutative property does not apply universally to all pairs of elements in non-abelian groups, which may affect the validity of certain arguments. The discussion also touches on the roles of identity and inverse elements, which remain unresolved.

Daniiel
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To show that a non-abelian group G, has elements x,y,z such that xy = yz where y≠z,

Is it enough to simply state for non-abelian groups xy≠yx so if you have xy=yz then it is not possible for x=z due to xy≠yx?

Or is more detail required?
 
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Daniiel said:
for non-abelian groups xy≠yx
There does not exist any group satisfying that identity.

In a non-abelian group, only some pairs (a,b) satisfy ab\neq ba.
 
Thanks for replying Hurkyl

So it would be a similar argument just clarifying that the for some (not all) x,y in G?

For some x, y in a non-abelian group G

xy≠yx

and if

xy = yz for some z in G

then x≠z otherwise

xy≠yx

Is not satisfied for elements x and y of the group
 
Daniiel said:
Thanks for replying Hurkyl

So it would be a similar argument just clarifying that the for some (not all) x,y in G?

For some x, y in a non-abelian group G

xy≠yx

and if

xy = yz for some z in G

then x≠z otherwise

xy≠yx

Is not satisfied for elements x and y of the group

To follow on from Hurkyls post, think about identity and inverse elements.
 
Do you mean that it should be shown what the is?

z= y-1x y ?
 
Daniiel said:
Do you mean that it should be shown what the is?

z= y-1x y ?

If the group is non-abelian, then there sure must be a pair a,b both of which ain't the identity, such that ab != ba. Take such a pair, and play around with the conjugate you proposed.
 

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