Understanding Induced Maps: Types and Applications

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of induced maps in algebra, particularly in the context of group theory and homomorphisms. Participants explore different types of induced maps, their definitions, and their applications, including in homology and homotopy. The conversation also touches on the properties of these maps and their functorial nature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a type of induced map from groups G and G' with subgroups N and N', defined via a homomorphism h, and questions the necessity of the condition h(N) ⊆ N'.
  • Another participant introduces additional induced maps involving Abelian groups A, B, and G, defined through homomorphisms f and k, and raises questions about the nature of the tensor product in this context.
  • There is a suggestion that the second induced map may extend concepts from vector spaces to Abelian groups.
  • Participants discuss the functorial nature of the induced maps, with one asserting that "induced" is not a unique property but rather a description of how mappings can extend naturally.
  • Questions arise regarding the definition and existence of tensor products for general groups, with references to their definitions in the context of modules and chain complexes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and properties of induced maps, particularly regarding the tensor product and its applicability to different algebraic structures. There is no consensus on the definitions or the nature of induced maps, indicating multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in definitions and the need for specific conditions for induced maps, particularly in relation to the properties of the groups and homomorphisms involved. The discussion reflects a variety of assumptions about the structures being considered.

WWGD
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Hi again, I am trying to get a better grasp of induced maps, and trying to see the
results that are used/assumed in defining these maps.

Until recently, I only knew of one type of induced map, described like this:

We have groups G, G' , with respective subgroups N,N' with ##N \triangleleft G , N'\triangleleft G'##and a homomorphism h:G→ G' . Then this somehow induces a map ##h_*####h_* G/N → G'/N' : h_*([a]_N ):=([h(a)]_N' ) ## , i.e., the coset class of a ( we can show the map is well-defined, i.e., it is independent of the choice of representative ) is sent to the coset class of the image ##h(a)## .

This is how induced maps in , e.g., homology, homotopy are defined, or where these maps come from.

But now I have run into some other induced maps that don't seem to have the same "source".

These are the maps:

1) We're given Abelian groups A,B , G, and a homomorphism ##f: A→ B##

Then this somehow induces a homomorphism ## f_*## with:

##f_*: = f\otimes 1 : A \times G → B \otimes G ## defined by:

## f_*(a,g):= f(a)\otimes g ##2)Same setup, we have Abelian groups A,B,G, a homomorphism ##k: A→B## , then

we get the induced map ##k^*:=Hom(f,1): Hom(B,G)→ Hom(A,G) ## , defined by:

##k^*(\Phi)(a):= \Phi(k(a))## , for ##\Phi## in Hom(B,G), a in A. I suspect the map 2 is just an extension to Abelian groups of the induced map on the duals of vector spaces:

Given a linear map ##L: V→ W ##, where V,W are finite-dimensional vector spaces over the
same field, we get the induced map ## L*: W*→ V* : L*(w*(w)):=w*(L(v) ##

Is that it? Where does the induced map 1) come from? I know both maps are functorial (1 is covariant and 2 is contravariant): are all induced maps functorial?

Thanks.
 
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WWGD said:
Hi again, I am trying to get a better grasp of induced maps, and trying to see the
results that are used/assumed in defining these maps.

Until recently, I only knew of one type of induced map, described like this:

We have groups G, G' , with respective subgroups N,N' with ##N \triangleleft G , N'\triangleleft G'##and a homomorphism h:G→ G' . Then this somehow induces a map ##h_*####h_* G/N → G'/N' : h_*([a]_N ):=([h(a)]_N' ) ## , i.e., the coset class of a ( we can show the map is well-defined, i.e., it is independent of the choice of representative ) is sent to the coset class of the image ##h(a)## .

This is how induced maps in , e.g., homology, homotopy are defined, or where these maps come from.
I think you need ##h(N)\subseteq N'## as well.
But now I have run into some other induced maps that don't seem to have the same "source".

These are the maps:

1) We're given Abelian groups A,B , G, and a homomorphism ##f: A→ B##

Then this somehow induces a homomorphism ## f_*## with:

##f_*: = f\otimes 1 : A \times G → B \otimes G ## defined by:

## f_*(a,g):= f(a)\otimes g ##2)Same setup, we have Abelian groups A,B,G, a homomorphism ##k: A→B## , then

we get the induced map ##k^*:=Hom(f,1): Hom(B,G)→ Hom(A,G) ## , defined by:

##k^*(\Phi)(a):= \Phi(k(a))## , for ##\Phi## in Hom(B,G), a in A.I suspect the map 2 is just an extension to Abelian groups of the induced map on the duals of vector spaces:

Given a linear map ##L: V→ W ##, where V,W are finite-dimensional vector spaces over the
same field, we get the induced map ## L*: W*→ V* : L*(w*(w)):=w*(L(v) ##

Is that it?
Basically.
Where does the induced map 1) come from?
What is ##\otimes## in this context? Certainly no tensor product and equal to ##\times##. In this case, where is the problem. We always can extend a mapping by any direct terms on which we do nothing at all.
I know both maps are functorial (1 is covariant and 2 is contravariant): are all induced maps functorial?
No, Induced isn't a property in itself. It is more like "extends naturally" than something which can be uniquely defined. I searched "induced homomorphism" on nLab and many, many examples showed up, but not a definition.
 
fresh_42 said:
I think you need ##h(N)\subseteq N'## as well.
Basically.
What is ##\otimes## in this context? Certainly no tensor product and equal to ##\times##. In this case, where is the problem. We always can extend a mapping by any direct terms on which we do nothing at all.
No, Induced isn't a property in itself. It is more like "extends naturally" than something which can be uniquely defined. I searched "induced homomorphism" on nLab and many, many examples showed up, but not a definition.
Here ##\otimes ## is the tensor product of (Abelian, I believe) groups. And I assume the extensions have some special properties we care to extend or define.
 
As ##\mathbb{Z}-##modules?
 
fresh_42 said:
As ##\mathbb{Z}-##modules?
I guess, but not sure. I don't know if there is a definition of tensor product for general groups. EDIT: I was surprised to see that we can even define a tensor product for Chain Complexes in Singular, IIRC, Homology. Edit2: I believe thete isca tensor product for topological spaces without additional structure.
 
WWGD said:
I guess, but not sure. I don't know if there is a definition of tensor product for general groups. EDIT: I was surprised to see that we can even define a tensor product for Chain Complexes in Singular, IIRC, Homology. Edit2: I believe thete isca tensor product for topological spaces without additional structure.
Me neither. I have no idea what it should mean in such a case, esp. what would make it different from a direct product? My definition explicitly says modules. On the other hand, the tensor product is defined as the solution of a co-universal mapping problem, and this only requires a covariant and contravariant functor on the product category into Set to set it up. But maybe it cannot be solved in general.
 

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