- #1
RickilusSmith
- 3
- 0
Homework Statement
Show that U(n) / Z(U(n)) = SU(n) / Z(SU(n))?
Homework Equations
Perhaps the first isomorphism theorem? That is, a group homomorphism ϕ of G onto G gives a 1-to-1 correspondence between G and G/(ker ϕ) that preserves products, that is, G is isomorphic to G/(ker ϕ)
The Attempt at a Solution
I've been able to deduce the center of both U(n) and SU(n).
Z(U(n)) = { e^(i \theta) 1 : \theta \in R}
and
Z(SU(n)) = { e^(i \theta) 1 : e^(n i \theta) = 1}
From here, I've been trying to find a homomorphism with both centers as the kernel to another group. However, I've had no luck. I feel that after I'm able to find the group representation, proving that they are isomorphic, i.e. bijective and injective will be easy.
Thanks!