G, group of order n, and m such that (m,n)=1, if g^m = 1 show that g = 1

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In summary, the conversation discusses a proof that in a group of order n, if an element g raised to the power of an integer m is equal to 1, then g must also equal 1. It also shows that each element in the group has an mth root, meaning it can be written as g = a^m for some a in the group. The use of Lagrange's theorem and the map \varphi:G\rightarrow G:g\rightarrow g^m are key components in the proof.
  • #1
tonit
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Homework Statement


Let G be a group of order n, and let m be an integer such that gcd(m,n) = 1.
Prove that [itex]g^m = 1 => g = 1[/itex]
and show that each [itex]g \in G[/itex] has an mth root, that is [itex]g = a^m[/itex], for some [itex]a \in G[/itex]



The Attempt at a Solution



Now by Lagrange's theorem, [itex]g^n = 1[/itex].
Since gcd(m,n) = 1, we can write mx + yn = 1.

Now [itex]g = g^1 = g[/itex][itex]mx+yn[/itex][itex] = (g^m)^x (g^n)^y = 1^x 1^y = 1[/itex].

Also I found another way to solve the first part. Anyone tell me if it is correct:

[itex] g^m = 1\Rightarrow o(g) | m[/itex]

Since [itex] |G| = n \Rightarrow o(g) | n \Rightarrow o(g) = 1 [/itex] since [itex] gcd(m,n)=1[/itex] which implies that g = 1.


Now can anyone give me a hint for the second part?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
Think about the map

[tex]\varphi:G\rightarrow G:g\rightarrow g^m[/tex]

being injective or surjective.
 
  • #3
Since [itex]G[/itex] is a group, it is closed under the operation. So for each [itex]g[/itex], there exists [itex]g^m[/itex] in [itex]G[/itex]. Since [itex]g^m_1 \neq g^{m}_2[/itex] for [itex]g_1 \neq g_2[/itex] the mapping must be bijective. So considering [itex]\varphi^{-1}[/itex], we get the desired result.

Please correct me if my reasoning line is not correct.
 
  • #5
Thank you for the help.
 

FAQ: G, group of order n, and m such that (m,n)=1, if g^m = 1 show that g = 1

What is a group of order n?

A group of order n is a mathematical structure consisting of a set of elements and an operation that combines any two elements to produce a third element, satisfying the properties of associativity, identity, and inverse.

What does (m,n)=1 mean in the context of groups?

In the context of groups, (m,n)=1 means that m and n are relatively prime, or they have no common factors other than 1. This is important because it ensures that the elements g and g^m are distinct, making it possible to prove that g = 1 when g^m = 1.

How is the power of an element g related to the identity element 1?

In a group, the power of an element g is related to the identity element 1 through the property of inverses. If g^m = 1, then the inverse of g^m is also 1, which means that g^(m^-1) = 1. This ultimately leads to the conclusion that g = 1.

Why is it important for g^m = 1 to show that g = 1?

In a group, the identity element 1 is unique and plays a crucial role in the structure of the group. If g^m = 1, it means that g raised to some power m results in the identity element. This ultimately leads to the conclusion that g must be equal to 1, preserving the uniqueness of the identity element.

How can one prove that g = 1 when g^m = 1?

To prove that g = 1 when g^m = 1, one can use the property of inverses and the fact that (m,n)=1. By taking the inverse of both sides of the equation g^m = 1, we get (g^m)^-1 = 1^-1, which simplifies to g^(m^-1) = 1. Since (m,n)=1, this means that m^-1 is a valid exponent for g, and therefore g = 1.

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