Understanding Faithful Group Actions: G x G --> G

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on demonstrating that the function G x G --> G defined by (h)^g = hg constitutes a faithful right action of the group G on itself. A right action is deemed faithful if the only element of G that acts trivially on the entire set is the identity element. The participants clarify that if (h)^g1 = (h)^g2 for all h in G, then g1 must equal g2, confirming the action's faithfulness through the contrapositive method.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of group theory concepts, specifically group actions.
  • Familiarity with the definition of a faithful group action.
  • Knowledge of left and right multiplication in group theory.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving group elements.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of group actions in detail, focusing on faithful actions.
  • Explore examples of groups and their actions, such as symmetric groups.
  • Learn about the contrapositive method in mathematical proofs.
  • Investigate the implications of group actions in representation theory.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, particularly those studying abstract algebra and group theory, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to group actions.

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Homework Statement



show for any group G, the function G x G --> G defined by (h)^g = hg is a faithful right action of the group G on itself. In this case, G is said to act on itself by right multiplication.

Homework Equations


Definition of faithful: a right action of a group g on a set X is said to be faithful if the only element of G that acts trivially on the entire set is the identity element. So an action is faithful if x^g = x for all x in X i.e g = e, the identity element

The Attempt at a Solution


My professor did this in class and I am a bit confused.
Suppose (h)^g1 = (h)^g2 for all h in G. Then by definition hg1 = hg2.
Then we left multiply by h^(-1) and we have g1=g2

I do not understand how this shows faithful right action?
Can someone explain?
 
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jgoldstein said:

Homework Statement



show for any group G, the function G x G --> G defined by (h)^g = hg is a faithful right action of the group G on itself. In this case, G is said to act on itself by right multiplication.


Homework Equations


Definition of faithful: a right action of a group g on a set X is said to be faithful if the only element of G that acts trivially on the entire set is the identity element. So an action is faithful if x^g = x for all x in X i.e g = e, the identity element


The Attempt at a Solution


My professor did this in class and I am a bit confused.
Suppose (h)^g1 = (h)^g2 for all h in G. Then by definition hg1 = hg2.
Then we left multiply by h^(-1) and we have g1=g2

I do not understand how this shows faithful right action?
Can someone explain?

The definition of a faithful right group action on itself is

For any two distinct g_1 and g_2 in G (g_1 \neq g_2), there exists h in G such that h^{g_1} \neq h^{g_2}.

The contrapositive of the above is

If h^{g_1} = h^{g_2} for all h in G, then g_1 = g_2.

Your professor probably used this contrapositive method.
 

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