Chapter 14: Problem 1
In the following, let \(G\) denote an arbitrary group. Find all the normal subgroups (a) of \(S_{3}\) (b) of \(D_{4}\). Prove the following:
Short Answer
Expert verified
Normal subgroups of \(S_3\) are \(\{ e \}\), \(S_3\), and \(\{ e, (12), (13), (23) \}\). Normal subgroups of \(D_4\) are \(\{ e \}\), \(D_4\), \(\{ e, r^2 \}\), and \(\{ e, r, r^2, r^3 \}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Symmetric Group S3
The symmetric group \(S_3\) consists of all permutations of three objects. It has six elements: the identity permutation, three transpositions (each swapping two elements), and two 3-cycles. List these elements, which are \( \{ e, (12), (13), (23), (123), (132) \} \).
02
Identifying Normal Subgroups of S3
A normal subgroup of \(S_3\) is invariant under conjugation by any element of \(S_3\). The identity subgroup \(\{ e \}\) is trivially normal. The whole group \(S_3\) is also normal. Additionally, the subgroup \(\{ e, (12), (13), (23) \}\) is normal since it includes all transpositions, and any element conjugates these within the subgroup.
03
Understanding Dihedral Group D4
The dihedral group \(D_4\) represents the symmetries of a square, including rotations and reflections. It has 8 elements: four rotations and four reflections. Typically, the elements can be labeled \( \{ e, r, r^2, r^3, s, sr, sr^2, sr^3 \} \), where \( r \) represents a 90-degree rotation and \( s \) represents a reflection.
04
Identifying Normal Subgroups of D4
To find normal subgroups, examine which subgroups are invariant under conjugation. The subgroups \(\{ e \}\) and \(D_4\) itself are always normal. The subgroup generated by \( r^2 \), denoted \(\{ e, r^2 \}\), is normal because conjugation by any element leaves it within the subgroup. The subgroup generated by rotations \( \{ e, r, r^2, r^3 \} \) is also normal, as reflections conjugate within it as cycles.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Symmetric Group
The symmetric group, denoted as \( S_n \), is a fundamental concept in group theory. It consists of all the possible permutations of \( n \) objects. In simpler terms, it's all the different ways you can shuffle \( n \) distinct things. For example, \( S_3 \) is the symmetric group of degree 3, containing all permutations of three objects. This results in six possible permutations:
- The identity permutation \( e \), which leaves everything as is.
- Three transpositions, such as \( (12) \), \( (13) \), and \( (23) \), which swap two objects.
- Two 3-cycles \( (123) \) and \( (132) \) which move all three objects in rotation.
Dihedral Group
The dihedral group, often denoted as \( D_n \), consists of symmetries of a regular polygon with \( n \) sides, including rotations and reflections. Specifically for a square, we use \( D_4 \), which has 8 elements:
- Four rotations: the identity \( e \), a 90-degree \( r \), a 180-degree \( r^2 \), and a 270-degree rotation \( r^3 \).
- Four reflections, which can be represented as \( s, sr, sr^2, \) and \( sr^3 \).
Group Theory
Group theory is the study of algebraic structures known as groups. A group \( G \) consists of a set, equipped with a single operation that combines any two elements to form a third, fulfilling four conditions: closure, associativity, identity, and invertibility.
Group theory provides a foundation for many areas of mathematics and science, allowing one to analyze algebraic structures comprehensively.
Group theory provides a foundation for many areas of mathematics and science, allowing one to analyze algebraic structures comprehensively.
- Closure: If \( a \) and \( b \) are in \( G \), then \( a \cdot b \) is also in \( G \).
- Associativity: \( (a \cdot b) \cdot c = a \cdot (b \cdot c) \) for all \( a, b, c \) in \( G \).
- Identity: There is an element \( e \) in \( G \) such that \( e \cdot a = a \cdot e = a \) for all \( a \) in \( G \).
- Invertibility: For each \( a \) in \( G \), there is an element \( b \) in \( G \) such that \( a \cdot b = b \cdot a = e \).
Permutation
A permutation is a way of rearranging elements in a set. It's a bijective function from the set to itself, ensuring all elements are used exactly once. Permutations form the elements of symmetric groups, such as \( S_3 \), where each element represents a different permutation of a set of three objects.
- Identity Permutation: Leaves all elements in their original positions.
- Transpositions: Swap exactly two elements, while all others remain unchanged.
- Cycles: Involve more than two elements. A 3-cycle like \( (123) \) rearranges the first element to the position of the second, the second to the third, and the third back to the first.
Conjugation
Conjugation is a key operation within group theory, essential for understanding normal subgroups. In a group \( G \), conjugating an element \( a \) by an element \( g \) means transforming \( a \) into \( gag^{-1} \).
Let's break down the importance of conjugation:
Let's break down the importance of conjugation:
- Determines if a subgroup is normal: A subgroup \( H \) of \( G \) is normal if for every \( h \) in \( H \) and any \( g \) in \( G \), the conjugate \( ghg^{-1} \) is still in \( H \).
- Explores structure within groups: Conjugation showcases internal symmetry since elements linked by conjugation share properties.
- Useful in simplifying complex group operations, offering insights into equivalency and symmetry.