Math Problem Statement

P8(a): Question P8(a): Consider the group U(15) under multiplication modulo 15. i. what is the order of group? ii. Compute the order of 13 in this group. iii. Find 〈13〉. iv. Show that H={1,11} is a normal subgroup of G. calculate me this problem.

Solution

We are tasked with solving a problem about the group U(15)U(15), the group of units modulo 15 under multiplication. Let's tackle each part systematically:


(i) What is the order of the group U(15)U(15)?

The group U(15)U(15) consists of integers less than 15 that are coprime to 15 (i.e., integers nn such that gcd(n,15)=1\gcd(n, 15) = 1).

The Euler totient function, ϕ(15)\phi(15), gives the number of such integers:

ϕ(15)=ϕ(3×5)=ϕ(3)ϕ(5),\phi(15) = \phi(3 \times 5) = \phi(3) \cdot \phi(5), where ϕ(3)=2\phi(3) = 2 and ϕ(5)=4\phi(5) = 4. Thus: ϕ(15)=24=8.\phi(15) = 2 \cdot 4 = 8.

So, the order of U(15)U(15) is 8, and its elements are: U(15)={1,2,4,7,8,11,13,14}.U(15) = \{1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14\}.


(ii) Compute the order of 13 in U(15)U(15).

The order of an element aU(15)a \in U(15) is the smallest positive integer kk such that: ak1(mod15).a^k \equiv 1 \pmod{15}.

For a=13a = 13, we compute successive powers of 13 modulo 15:

  1. 13113(mod15)13^1 \equiv 13 \pmod{15},
  2. 1321694(mod15)13^2 \equiv 169 \equiv 4 \pmod{15},
  3. 133134527(mod15)13^3 \equiv 13 \cdot 4 \equiv 52 \equiv 7 \pmod{15},
  4. 134137911(mod15)13^4 \equiv 13 \cdot 7 \equiv 91 \equiv 1 \pmod{15}.

Thus, the order of 13 is 4.


(iii) Find 13\langle 13 \rangle.

The subgroup 13\langle 13 \rangle is the cyclic subgroup generated by 13. It consists of all powers of 13 modulo 15. From the calculations in part (ii): 13={131,132,133,134}(mod15).\langle 13 \rangle = \{13^1, 13^2, 13^3, 13^4\} \pmod{15}. Substituting values: 13={13,4,7,1}.\langle 13 \rangle = \{13, 4, 7, 1\}.


(iv) Show that H={1,11}H = \{1, 11\} is a normal subgroup of GG.

To check if HH is a normal subgroup, we need:

  1. HU(15)H \subseteq U(15): Clearly, 11 and 1111 are in U(15)U(15).

  2. Closure under multiplication modulo 15: 11=1,111=11,1111=1211(mod15).1 \cdot 1 = 1, \quad 1 \cdot 11 = 11, \quad 11 \cdot 11 = 121 \equiv 1 \pmod{15}. Hence, HH is closed under multiplication.

  3. For normality: For any gU(15)g \in U(15) and hHh \in H, ghg1Hg h g^{-1} \in H.

    ghg1ghg1(mod15)g h g^{-1} \equiv g h g^{-1} \pmod{15} simplifies to an element in HH, since HH is of order 2, and any subgroup of index 2 is normal.

Thus, H={1,11}H = \{1, 11\} is a normal subgroup of U(15)U(15).


Summary of Results:

  1. Order of U(15)U(15): 88.
  2. Order of 13: 44.
  3. 13\langle 13 \rangle: {13,4,7,1}\{13, 4, 7, 1\}.
  4. H={1,11}H = \{1, 11\} is a normal subgroup of U(15)U(15).

Do you need detailed explanations for any step?
Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What is the general method to compute ϕ(n)\phi(n) for composite numbers nn?
  2. Why does ghg1Hg h g^{-1} \in H ensure normality of a subgroup?
  3. How do cyclic subgroups relate to the structure of groups like U(15)U(15)?
  4. Can we determine the structure of U(15)U(15) (e.g., is it isomorphic to Zn\mathbb{Z}_n)?
  5. What are other examples of normal subgroups in small groups?

Tip: Understanding cyclic subgroups is crucial in modular arithmetic. Try constructing them explicitly to develop intuition!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Group Theory
Modulo Arithmetic
Cyclic Subgroups
Normal Subgroups

Formulas

Euler's Totient Function φ(n) = φ(p1^e1) × φ(p2^e2) × ... for prime factorization of n
Order of an element: the smallest positive integer k such that a^k ≡ 1 (mod n)

Theorems

Definition of Cyclic Subgroups
Subgroup Normality Criterion
Properties of Euler's Totient Function

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (Abstract Algebra)