Math Problem Statement

Find the number of generators and all the generators of a cyclic group \( \langle a \rangle \) of order 15.

Solution

The problem asks to "Find the number of generators and all the generators of a cyclic group a\langle a \rangle of order 15."

Solution:

For a cyclic group of order nn, the number of generators is given by the Euler's totient function ϕ(n)\phi(n). The generators of the group are those elements that are coprime with nn (i.e., their greatest common divisor with nn is 1).

Step 1: Apply Euler's Totient Function ϕ(n)\phi(n)

We know that n=15n = 15, and we can calculate ϕ(15)\phi(15) using the prime factorization of 15: 15=3×515 = 3 \times 5 Euler's totient function for nn is given by: ϕ(n)=n(11p1)(11p2)(11pk)\phi(n) = n \left( 1 - \frac{1}{p_1} \right)\left( 1 - \frac{1}{p_2} \right)\cdots \left( 1 - \frac{1}{p_k} \right) where p1,p2,,pkp_1, p_2, \dots, p_k are the distinct prime factors of nn.

Thus: ϕ(15)=15(113)(115)=15×23×45=15×815=8\phi(15) = 15 \left( 1 - \frac{1}{3} \right) \left( 1 - \frac{1}{5} \right) = 15 \times \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{4}{5} = 15 \times \frac{8}{15} = 8 So, the number of generators is 8.

Step 2: Identify the Generators

The generators of a cyclic group are the elements that are coprime with 15. The elements of the group Z15={0,1,2,,14}\mathbb{Z}_{15} = \{0, 1, 2, \dots, 14\}.

We find which of these

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Group Theory
Cyclic Groups
Number Theory

Formulas

Euler's Totient Function \( \phi(n) = n \left( 1 - \frac{1}{p_1} \right)\left( 1 - \frac{1}{p_2} \right)\cdots \left( 1 - \frac{1}{p_k} \right) \)

Theorems

Cyclic Group Theorem
Euler's Totient Function

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Mathematics