Math Problem Statement

Consider the set X := Q \ {1} and an operation * on X as given below: a * b = a + b - ab for all a, b ∈ X. Show that * is a binary operation on X. Find the identity element. Also investigate the inverse of an element x ∈ X.

Solution

Here is the breakdown of the three mathematical problems in the image:

  1. Consider the set X:=Q{1}X := \mathbb{Q} \setminus \{1\} and an operation \ast on XX as given below: ab=a+babfor alla,bX.a \ast b = a + b - ab \quad \text{for all} \, a, b \in X. Show that \ast is a binary operation on XX. Find the identity element. Also, investigate the inverse of an element xXx \in X.

  2. Let GG be a group and c,dGc, d \in G. Show that the equation xc=dxc = d has a unique solution in GG.

  3. Let aa and bb be two elements of a group. If (a)=d\circ(a) = d, then show that (a1)=(bab1)\circ(a^{-1}) = \circ(bab^{-1}).


Problem 1: Investigating the Binary Operation

  • Binary operation: We need to verify that the operation \ast is closed under the set X=Q{1}X = \mathbb{Q} \setminus \{1\}. That is, for any a,bXa, b \in X, we check whether abXa \ast b \in X.
  • Identity element: Find an element eXe \in X such that for all aXa \in X, ae=ea=aa \ast e = e \ast a = a.
  • Inverse element: For each xXx \in X, find an element yXy \in X such that xy=yx=ex \ast y = y \ast x = e, where ee is the identity element.

Problem 2: Uniqueness of Solutions in a Group

  • Since GG is a group, every element has an inverse, and the operation is associative. To show that the equation xc=dxc = d has a unique solution, we will use properties of groups, such as the existence of inverses.

Problem 3: Group Element Relationship

  • Given (a)=d\circ(a) = d, we need to prove that (a1)=(bab1)\circ(a^{-1}) = \circ(bab^{-1}). This problem typically involves conjugation in a group and properties of inverse elements.

Let me know if you would like detailed solutions for each question or have any specific preferences!

Here are 5 related questions that can expand on this content:

  1. What are the general conditions for a set and operation to form a binary operation?
  2. How does the identity element in an operation relate to inverses?
  3. What group properties ensure the uniqueness of solutions for group equations?
  4. How does conjugation of elements in a group work, and how does it affect inverses?
  5. Can you generalize the result of Problem 3 to non-abelian groups?

Tip: Always check the closure property when proving that an operation is binary on a set.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Set Theory
Binary Operations
Group Theory

Formulas

a * b = a + b - ab
Identity element: a * e = e * a = a
Inverse element: a * a⁻¹ = e

Theorems

Properties of binary operations
Identity elements in groups
Inverse elements in groups

Suitable Grade Level

University level (Undergraduate - Abstract Algebra)