Is an Abelian Group Divisible?

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    2016
In summary, an Abelian group is a mathematical structure with a commutative operation that combines elements to produce a third element. "Divisible" in this context means that every element can be evenly divided by another element. All Abelian groups are considered divisible, and divisibility is important in creating subgroups and is related to other properties such as closure and inverses.
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Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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An abelian group $G$ is called divisible if for every $n\in \Bbb N$ and $g\in G$, there exists $x\in G$ such that $nx = g$. Show that for abelian groups $G$, $G$ is injective if and only if $G$ is divisible.

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No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.

Let $G$ be an abelian group.

Suppose $G$ is injective. Fix $n\in \Bbb N$ and $g\in G$. Let $\phi : \Bbb Z\to \Bbb Z$ be given by $\phi(m) = nm$, and $\psi : \Bbb Z\to G$ be defined by $\psi(m) = mg$. Since $\phi$ is a monomorphism, injectivity of $G$ allows for a lift $\alpha : \Bbb Z \to G$ such that $\alpha(\psi(m)) = \phi(m)$ for all $m\in \Bbb Z$. So if $x = \alpha(1)$, then $nx = \alpha(n) = \alpha(\psi(1)) = \phi(1) = g$. Since $n$ and $g$ were arbitrary, $G$ is divisible.

Conversely, suppose $G$ is divisible. Let $\phi : A \to B$ be a monomorphism of abelian groups and $\psi : A \to G$ be a homomorphism. Without loss of generality, assume $A\subset B$. Let $\mathcal{C}$ be the collection of all pairs $(X,f)$ where $X$ is an abelian group with $A \subset X \subset B$ and $f : X \to G$ is an homomorphic extension of $\phi$. Partially order $\mathcal{C}$ by setting $(X,f) < (X', f')$ if and only if $X\subset X'$ and $f'$ is a homomorphic extension of $f$. Then $\mathcal{C}$ is inductive ordered set, and hence (by Zorn's lemma) $\mathcal{C}$ has a maximal element $(\tilde{X},\tilde{f})$. Suppose $\tilde{X} \neq B$. Then $B\setminus \tilde{X}$ contains some element $x_0$. If $x_0$ has the property that $nx_0\in \tilde{X}$ implies $n = 0$, then $\tilde{f}$ has a homomorphic extension $\tilde{F} : \tilde{X} + \Bbb Z x_0 \to G$ such that $\tilde{F}(x + nx_0) = \tilde{f}(x)$ for all $x\in \tilde{X}$ and $n\in \Bbb Z$. Then $(\tilde{X} + \Bbb Z x_0, \tilde{F})$ is a an element of $\mathcal{C}$ greater than $(\tilde{X}, \tilde{f})$, contradicting maximality of $(\tilde{X}, \tilde{f})$. On the other hand, if there exists an $n\in \Bbb Z$ such that $nx_0\in \tilde{X}$, then we may consider $n_0$, the least positive integer $n$ such that $nx_0\in \tilde{X}$. Since $G$ is divisible, there exists a $g\in G$ such that $n_0 g = \tilde{f}(n_0x_0)$. The mapping $F : \tilde{X} + \Bbb Z x_0 \to G$ given by $F(x + nx_0) = f(x) + ng$ for all $x\in \tilde{X}$ and $n\in \Bbb Z$, is a homomorphic extension of $\tilde{f}$. Yet again, this contradicts maximality of $(\tilde{X}, \tilde{f})$. Therefore $\tilde{X} = B$ and $\tilde{f}\circ \phi = \psi$. Since $\phi$ and $\psi$ were arbitrary, $G$ is injective.
 

FAQ: Is an Abelian Group Divisible?

What is an Abelian Group?

An Abelian group is a mathematical structure consisting of a set of elements and an operation that combines any two elements to produce a third element. The operation must be commutative, meaning that the order in which the elements are combined does not affect the result. Examples of Abelian groups include the set of integers under addition and the set of real numbers under multiplication.

What does "divisible" mean in the context of an Abelian group?

In the context of an Abelian group, "divisible" means that for any element in the group, there exists another element that can be multiplied by an integer to produce the original element. In other words, every element in the group can be divided evenly by another element.

Can all Abelian groups be considered divisible?

Yes, all Abelian groups can be considered divisible. This is because the definition of an Abelian group includes the requirement that the operation must be commutative, which ensures that every element in the group has a corresponding element that can divide it evenly.

What is the importance of "divisibility" in Abelian groups?

The concept of divisibility is important in Abelian groups because it allows for the creation of subgroups, which are smaller groups that are contained within the larger group. Subgroups are useful in understanding the structure and properties of Abelian groups.

How is "divisibility" related to other properties of Abelian groups?

"Divisibility" is related to other properties of Abelian groups such as closure, associativity, and identity. These properties, along with commutativity, are necessary for divisibility to exist in an Abelian group. Additionally, divisibility is related to the concept of inverses, as every element in an Abelian group has a multiplicative inverse that can divide it evenly and produce the identity element.

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