Chapter 13: Problem 6
For any positive integer \(m\), what is the index of \(\langle m\rangle\) in \(\mathbb{Z}\) ?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The index of \( \langle m \rangle \) in \( \mathbb{Z} \) is \( m \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We want to find the index of the subgroup \( \langle m \rangle \) in the group of integers \( \mathbb{Z} \), where \( m \) is a positive integer. The notation \( \langle m \rangle \) represents the subgroup generated by \( m \), which consists of all multiples of \( m \).
02
Definition of Index
The index of a subgroup \( H \) in a group \( G \), denoted \( [G : H] \), is defined as the number of distinct left cosets of \( H \) in \( G \). For our problem, \( H = \langle m \rangle \) and \( G = \mathbb{Z} \).
03
Finding Cosets of \( \langle m \rangle \)
The left cosets of \( \langle m \rangle \) in \( \mathbb{Z} \) are of the form \( n + \langle m \rangle \) where \( n \in \mathbb{Z} \). Each coset is the set of all integers of the form \( n + mk \) where \( k \in \mathbb{Z} \).
04
Counting the Distinct Cosets
For \( n + \langle m \rangle \) and \( n' + \langle m \rangle \) to be the same coset, the two must differ by an element of \( \langle m \rangle \), which happens if \( n - n' = km \) for some integer \( k \). This implies that \( n \equiv n' \pmod{m} \).
05
Calculating the Index
The number of distinct cosets (or equivalently, the number of different possible remainders when dividing by \( m \)) is exactly \( m \). Therefore, the index of \( \langle m \rangle \) in \( \mathbb{Z} \) is \( m \).
06
Conclusion
Thus, the index of \( \langle m \rangle \) in \( \mathbb{Z} \) is the number of elements in the complete residue system modulo \( m \), which is \( m \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Subgroup
In group theory, a subgroup is a smaller group contained within a larger group that itself satisfies the group properties. Here's how it works:
- A subgroup must contain the identity element of the larger group.
- For any two elements within the subgroup, the product of these elements must also be in the subgroup.
- Every element in the subgroup must have an inverse within the same subgroup.
Coset
A coset is a way to partition a group into pieces or sections that have similar structure. Here's a breakdown:
- Left cosets are created by multiplying a fixed element on the left of each element in the subgroup.
- Each coset is essentially a shift of the subgroup by a certain amount.
- In our problem, the cosets of \( \langle m \rangle \) in \( \mathbb{Z} \) are of the form \( n + \langle m \rangle \), which means adding \( n \) to every multiple of \( m \).
Index of a Subgroup
The index of a subgroup within a group is incredibly useful for understanding how the subgroup divides the group. Specifically, it is the number of distinct cosets of the subgroup within the group.
- Mathematically, the index is written as \([G : H]\) where \(G\) is the group and \(H\) is the subgroup.
- It tells us how many times a subgroup fits into the larger group.
- In the integer group \( \mathbb{Z} \), the index of \( \langle m \rangle \) is found by counting how many integer cosets fall into one cycle or complete set of residues modulo \(m\) – essentially, it's \(m\).
Integer Group \(\mathbb{Z}\)
The integer group, denoted by \(\mathbb{Z}\), is a fundamental and infinite group in mathematics. Here's what you should know:
- It includes all whole numbers, both positive and negative, including zero.
- The group operation here is addition, making \(\mathbb{Z}\) an additive group.
- It is a straightforward example of an infinite group, used often in abstract algebra and number theory.