How could this group possibly have elements of this order?

In summary, the conversation discusses the order of elements in Z_45 and the possibility of having elements of order 2 by Lagrange's Theorem. An example of an element of order 2 is (30,0,0,0). The conversation also explores the use of a counting argument to determine the number of elements of order 2 in A and discusses the number of subgroups of index 2 in A. The expert confirms that the counting argument is mathematically correct and suggests it as a method for determining the number of subgroups of index 2.
  • #1
jdinatale
155
0

Homework Statement


resulto3.jpg


It seems to me that every element of Z_45 has order 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, or 45. It seems impossible to have an element of order 2 by Lagrange's Theorem.

Is there another way of looking at this problem?
 
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  • #2
For example, (30,0,0,0) has order 2.

jdinatale said:

Homework Statement


resulto3.jpg


It seems to me that every element of Z_45 has order 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, or 45. It seems impossible to have an element of order 2 by Lagrange's Theorem.

Is there another way of looking at this problem?
 
  • #3
micromass said:
For example, (30,0,0,0) has order 2.

I see! Do you think a counting argument would be acceptable? For example there are two elements of order 2 in Z_60, (0 and 30), one element of order 2 in Z_45 (0), two elements of order 2 in Z_12 (0 and 6) and two elements of order 2 in Z_36 (0 and 18)

So it seems to me, all of the elements of order 2 in A would be:

(0, 0, 0, 0)
(0, 0, 0, 18)
(0, 0, 6, 0)
(0, 0, 6, 18)
(30, 0, 0, 0)
(30, 0, 6, 0)
(30, 0, 0, 18)
(30, 0, 6, 18)

So 8 elements, correct?
 
  • #4
(0,0,0,0) does not have order 2.
 
  • #5
micromass said:
(0,0,0,0) does not have order 2.

Oh thank you, you are correct. Is my argument mathematically correct where I just list out all of the possible elements of order 2?

Also, do you know of a better way to look at the number of subgroups of index 2 in A?
 
  • #6
Yes, the rest of what you did is absolutely correct!
 

FAQ: How could this group possibly have elements of this order?

How do elements of a group come to have a specific order?

The order of elements in a group is determined by their atomic number, which is based on the number of protons in the nucleus. This number increases from left to right and top to bottom on the periodic table, resulting in a specific order for the elements.

What factors influence the order of elements in a group?

The order of elements in a group is primarily influenced by the number of protons in the nucleus, but other factors such as electron configuration, atomic mass, and chemical properties can also play a role.

3. How is the order of elements in a group beneficial for understanding their properties?

The order of elements in a group allows us to make predictions about their properties because elements with similar atomic structures tend to exhibit similar chemical and physical properties. This helps to categorize and organize the vast number of elements on the periodic table.

4. Are there any exceptions to the order of elements in a group?

While the order of elements in a group generally follows the pattern of increasing atomic number, there are a few exceptions. For example, in the transition metals group, elements with lower atomic numbers may be placed after elements with higher atomic numbers due to their similar electron configurations.

5. How does the order of elements in a group reflect their relationship to each other?

The order of elements in a group reflects their relationship in terms of atomic structure and properties. Elements in the same group have similar outer electron configurations and exhibit similar chemical and physical properties. This allows us to understand their relationship and make predictions about their behavior in reactions.

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