Does Lagrange's Theorem Prove Every Element's Power Equals Group's Order?

In summary, the conversation discusses proving that in a finite group with m elements, a^m = 1 for all a in the group. The conversation touches on the concept of the order of a group equaling the order of its elements, and the statement of Lagrange's theorem. The conversation also clarifies that the question is not asking for proof of the order of a being the size of the group.
  • #1
eileen6a
19
0

Homework Statement


If G is a finite group with m elements. Show that [itex]a^m=1[/itex] for all a[itex]\in[/itex] G.



Homework Equations



order of group equal order of elements.

The Attempt at a Solution


i know order of group equal order of elements, but how to give a detailed proof?
Is G cyclic?
 
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  • #2
i know order of group equal order of elements

This isn't true. For example in Z4, 2 has order 2, not 4. There is a statement you can make relating the order of a group element to the size of the group though
 
  • #3
the question is wrong?but this is a question and i am supposed to prove it...
Office_Shredder said:
This isn't true. For example in Z4, 2 has order 2, not 4. There is a statement you can make relating the order of a group element to the size of the group though
what is that statement??lagrange theorem?
 
  • #4
Office_Shredder said:
This isn't true.
For example in Z4, 2 has order 2, not 4.
2 has order 2, so 22 = 1, but isn't 24 also = 1?
Office_Shredder said:
There is a statement you can make relating the order of a group element to the size of the group though
 
  • #5
am=1 does not mean that m is the order of a. The order of a is the smallest power you can raise a to that gives you one. So the question isn't asking you to prove that the order of a is the size of the group.

Yes eileena, Lagrange's theorem is what you need
 

What is group theory?

Group theory is a branch of mathematics that studies the properties of groups, which are mathematical objects that consist of a set of elements and a binary operation that combines any two elements to form a third element.

What are the basic concepts of group theory?

The basic concepts of group theory include groups, subgroups, cosets, normal subgroups, homomorphisms, and isomorphisms.

What kind of problems can be solved using group theory?

Group theory has many applications in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science. It can be used to study symmetry, group actions, number theory, and cryptography.

What are the properties of a group?

A group must satisfy four properties: closure, associativity, identity, and invertibility. Closure means that the result of combining two elements must also be an element of the group. Associativity means that the order of operations does not matter. Identity means that there is an element in the group that does not change other elements when combined. Invertibility means that every element in the group must have an inverse that, when combined, yields the identity element.

What is the difference between a group and a set?

A set is a collection of elements with no particular structure, while a group is a set of elements with defined operations and properties. A set does not have a binary operation defined on it, while a group must have a binary operation that satisfies certain properties.

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