Chapter 2: Problem 28
In Exercises 23 through 30 construct an example of a nontrivial homomorphism between the two indicated groups, if this is possible, or explain why this is not possible. $$ \phi: \mathbb{Z} \rightarrow \mathbb{Z}_{7} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
A nontrivial homomorphism is \( \phi(n) = n \mod 7 \) with \( k = 1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We need to find a homomorphism \( \phi: \mathbb{Z} \rightarrow \mathbb{Z}_7 \). \( \mathbb{Z} \) is the group of integers under addition, and \( \mathbb{Z}_7 \) is the cyclic group of integers modulo 7 under addition.
02
Properties of Homomorphism
A homomorphism from one group to another must preserve the group operation. Specifically, for our homomorphism \( \phi \), this means \( \phi(a+b) = \phi(a) + \phi(b) \) for all \( a, b \in \mathbb{Z} \).
03
Identify a Suitable Map
To construct a nontrivial homomorphism, we need to choose \( \phi(1) = k \) where \( k \) is an integer between 0 and 6 in \( \mathbb{Z}_7 \). This ensures that \( \phi(n) = n \cdot k \mod 7 \) for any integer \( n \).
04
Ensure the Homomorphism is Nontrivial
A nontrivial homomorphism cannot send every integer to 0 in \( \mathbb{Z}_7 \). Therefore, \( k eq 0 \). Let's choose \( k = 1 \), so the map becomes \( \phi(n) = n \mod 7 \). This is a valid nontrivial homomorphism.
05
Verify the Homomorphism
Let's verify if \( \phi \) satisfies the homomorphism property. If \( \phi(n) = n \mod 7 \), then for any integers \( a \) and \( b \), \( \phi(a + b) = (a + b) \mod 7 = a \mod 7 + b \mod 7 \mod 7 = \phi(a) + \phi(b) \). This confirms it is a homomorphism.
06
Analyze Other Possibilities
Other choices for \( k \) (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) would also result in nontrivial homomorphisms. Each would define \( \phi(n) = n \cdot k \mod 7 \), and all satisfy the homomorphism property. But the critical factor is that \( k eq 0 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cyclic Groups
Let's delve into the fascinating world of cyclic groups, which play a central role in understanding various algebraic structures. A cyclic group is a group that can be generated by a single element. This means every member of the group can be written as a power (under group operation) of this generator. For example, the integers modulo 7, denoted as \(\mathbb{Z}_7\), forms a cyclic group under addition.
- Each element in \(\mathbb{Z}_7\) can be represented as \(0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6\).
- These elements cycle through themselves back to zero, creating a repeating pattern modulo 7. For instance, adding 5 and 4 in \(\mathbb{Z}_7\) yields 2: \((5 + 4) \mod 7 = 2\).
- This cyclic behavior, characteristic of groups like \(\mathbb{Z}_7\), enables a simplified structure with predictable patterns.
Integers Modulo
When we talk about integers modulo \(n\), we're referring to a system where numbers "wrap around" after reaching a specific value, \(n\). Using our example, \(\mathbb{Z}_7\), every integer equates to one of the numbers 0 through 6.
- For any integer \(a\), \(a \mod 7\) gives the remainder when \(a\) is divided by 7.
- This operation has a "clock-like" cyclic nature, which makes it an ideal structure for modular arithmetic.
- A crucial aspect is that operations like addition within this framework are still intuitive, with watchful consideration of the modulus.
Nontrivial Homomorphism
A nontrivial homomorphism is essentially a function between two groups that maintains their structure yet does not map every element to the same single element, especially not the identity.
- In our case, the identity in \(\mathbb{Z}_7\) is 0, so a nontrivial homomorphism cannot map every integer \(n\) from \(\mathbb{Z}\) to 0 in \(\mathbb{Z}_7\).
- The mapping strategy involves selecting \(k\) from 1 to 6 in \(\mathbb{Z}_7\), since choosing 0 would make the homomorphism trivial.
- For example, setting \(k = 1\) results in \(\phi(n) = n \mod 7\), which is visibly nontrivial as it doesn’t collapse all elements to 0.
- This homomorphism satisfies the core property: \(\phi(a + b) = \phi(a) + \phi(b)\), validating its structural consistency between \(\mathbb{Z}\) and \(\mathbb{Z}_7\).