Finite vs Ring Groups: Examining Theorems

In summary, the conversation discusses the applicability of theorems for finite groups to ring groups. It is mentioned that while a finite group may be a cyclic group, there is no such thing as a cyclic ring, so certain theorems may not be applicable. However, it is noted that the group ring contains a subring isomorphic to the original ring and a subset isomorphic to the original finite group.
  • #1
cbarker1
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Dear Everyone,

Does every theorem that holds for finite group holds for ring groups? Why or Why not?Thanks
Cbarker1
 
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  • #2
What do you mean by “ring groups”?
 
  • #3
A group ring defined as the following from Dummit and Foote:

Fix a commutative ring $R$ with identity $1\ne0$ and let $G=\{g_{1},g_{2},g_{3},...,g_{n}\}$ be any finite group with group operation written multiplicatively. A group ring, $RG$, of $G$ with coefficients in $R$ to be the set of all formal sum

$a_1g_1+a_2g_2+\cdots+a_ng_n$, $a_i\in R$, $1\le i\le n$
 
  • #4
Well, note that $G$ is a group whereas $RG$ is a ring, so not every theorem about $G$ may be applicable to $RG$. For example, $G$ may be a cyclic group, but there is no such thing as a cyclic ring, so a theorem about cyclic groups may not make sense when applied to rings.

What you can say is that $RG$ contains a subring isomorphic to $R$, namely
$$\{a\cdot e_G:a\in R\}$$
as well as a subset which, with respect to multiplication, forms a group isomorphic to $G$, namely
$$\{1_R\cdot g:g\in G\}.$$
 

FAQ: Finite vs Ring Groups: Examining Theorems

What is the difference between a finite group and a ring group?

A finite group is a mathematical structure that consists of a finite set of elements and a binary operation that combines any two elements to form a third element within the set. A ring group, on the other hand, is a mathematical structure that consists of a set of elements and two binary operations (addition and multiplication) that satisfy certain properties. The main difference between the two is that a ring group has two operations while a finite group has only one.

What are some examples of finite groups?

Some examples of finite groups include the symmetric group, cyclic group, dihedral group, and alternating group. The symmetric group is a group of all possible permutations of a set of objects, while the cyclic group is a group where all elements can be generated by a single element. The dihedral group is a group of symmetries of a regular polygon, and the alternating group is a subgroup of the symmetric group that contains all even permutations.

How are theorems used to examine finite and ring groups?

Theorems are used to prove statements about finite and ring groups. These statements can include properties, relationships, and characteristics of these mathematical structures. Theorems provide a way to rigorously prove the validity of these statements and help to deepen our understanding of finite and ring groups.

What are some important theorems related to finite and ring groups?

Some important theorems related to finite and ring groups include Lagrange's theorem, which states that the order of a subgroup divides the order of the group, and the Chinese Remainder Theorem, which provides a way to solve systems of congruences. Other important theorems include the First and Second Isomorphism Theorems, the Fundamental Theorem of Finite Abelian Groups, and the Wedderburn-Artin Theorem.

How are finite and ring groups used in real-world applications?

Finite and ring groups have many real-world applications, particularly in fields such as cryptography, coding theory, and physics. In cryptography, finite groups are used to create secure encryption algorithms, while in coding theory, ring groups are used to construct error-correcting codes. In physics, finite groups are used to describe symmetries in physical systems, such as particle interactions and crystal structures.

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