Proving Q+ is not Isomorphic to Q in a First Course in Algebra

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the group of positive rational numbers, Q+, is not isomorphic to the group of rational numbers, Q. The problem is divided into three parts: demonstrating the existence of subgroups A of Q+ with finite index, showing that any proper subgroup B of Q leads to an infinite quotient |Q / B|, and concluding that Q+ cannot be isomorphic to Q. The user correctly identifies the need for a bijection between the quotient groups Q+ / A and Q / B, but struggles to formalize the proof of this conclusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of group theory concepts, specifically subgroups and quotient groups.
  • Familiarity with isomorphisms and bijections in algebra.
  • Knowledge of the properties of rational numbers and their subgroups.
  • Ability to construct and analyze mathematical proofs.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of quotient groups in group theory.
  • Learn about the structure of subgroups in Q and Q+.
  • Explore the concept of isomorphisms in algebraic structures.
  • Investigate examples of non-isomorphic groups in abstract algebra.
USEFUL FOR

Students of abstract algebra, particularly those studying group theory, as well as educators and mathematicians interested in the properties of rational numbers and their algebraic structures.

Essnov
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I'm taking a first course in algebra, and in my textbook, there is the following problem:

a) Show that, for every natural # n, there is a subgroup A of Q+ such that |Q+/H| = n.

b) Suppose that B is a proper subgroup of Q. Show that |Q / B| = ∞.

c) Conclude that Q+ ≠ Q.

I did parts a and b just fine, but I'm not sure if I see how to (properly) conclude from them that Q+ ≠ Q.

I'm thinking that if there is to be a bijection from Q+ → Q, then there should be a bijection from Q+ / A → Q / B, but that's not possible since Q+ / A and Q / B should at least have the same order.

So basically if P : Q+ → Q is a bijection, the following are also bijections:
For g in Q+, h in Q,
R taking g to gA
S taking h to hB

So the composition S o P o R-1 should be a bijection from Q+ / A → Q / B, which is (I think) a contradiction, so there should be no such P.

Am I doing this properly or am I missing something more obvious?
 
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Let f:\mathbb{Q}^+\rightarrow \mathbb{Q} be an isomorphism. What can you say about f(A)? (where A is the subgroup with |\mathbb{Q}^+/A|=3 or another number).
 
I cannot think of anything helpful. f(A) will be a subgroup of Q? I feel like we should have | Q / f(A) | = n but I don't know how to show this.
 
Show that

\mathbb{Q}^+/A \rightarrow \mathbb{Q}/f(A): x+A\rightarrow f(x)+f(A)

is a bijection. So show

1) it is well-defined
2) it is injective
3) it is surjective
 
Thank you very much for your help :)
 

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