Proving the Falsehood of the Homomorphism Property for Ω:Zp^n→Zp^n

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Bachelier
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the properties of the function defined as ##\Omega: \mathbb{Z_{p^n}} \rightarrow \mathbb{Z_{p^n}}##, specifically examining whether it can be classified as a homomorphism under addition. The context involves theoretical exploration of algebraic structures, particularly in relation to the binomial theorem and characteristics of rings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines the function ##\Omega(x) = x^{p}## and seeks to prove it is a homomorphism under addition.
  • Another participant suggests applying the binomial theorem, noting that terms will vanish due to the ring's characteristic being p.
  • A participant mentions that the ring ##K## has order ##p^n## and is isomorphic to ##\mathbb{Z_{p^n}}##.
  • Multiple participants point out that the result is actually false for certain values of p and n, providing a specific counterexample with ##p = n = 2##, where they show that ##\Omega(1+1) \neq \Omega(1) + \Omega(1)##.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the validity of the homomorphism property for the defined function, with some asserting it is false based on counterexamples while others initially propose methods to prove it.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on specific values of p and n, and the implications of the ring's characteristic. There are unresolved mathematical steps regarding the application of the binomial theorem and the general case for all n and p.

Bachelier
Messages
375
Reaction score
0
Define ##\Omega: \mathbb{Z_{p^n}} \rightarrow \mathbb{Z_{p^n}}## where ##p## is prime

with ##\ \ \ \ \ \ \Omega(x) = x^{p}##


I am trying to prove this is a ##Hom## under addition.

any ideas?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Essentially just apply the binomial theorem. Since the ring has characteristic p all the undesired terms vanish.
 
The ring ##K## has order ##p^n## which makes it ##\cong \mathbb{Z_{p^n}}##
 
Last edited:
jgens said:
Essentially just apply the binomial theorem. Since the ring has characteristic p all the undesired terms vanish.

You did notice that the ring I am working with has ##p^n## elements. It is an extension field of ##\mathbb{Z_{p^n}}##.
 
Last edited:
Oh whoops you are right! Unless I am mistaken it turns out the result is actually false! Take p = n = 2 and consider the map Ω:Z4Z4 given by Ω(x) = x2. Then Ω(1+1) = Ω(2) = 22 = 0 but Ω(1)+Ω(1) = 12+12 = 2.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
jgens said:
Oh whoops you are right! Unless I am mistaken it turns out the result is actually false! Take p = n = 2 and consider the map Ω:Z4Z4 given by Ω(x) = x2. Then Ω(1+1) = Ω(2) = 22 = 0 but Ω(1)+Ω(1) = 12+12 = 2.

yes, even in the general case ##\Omega(1+1) = 2^p \neq 2 = \Omega(1) + \Omega(1) \ \forall n, p \geq 2##
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
48
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K