Math Problem Statement

Show that if f: G -> H and g: H -> K are morphisms, then gof: G -> K is also a morphism.

Solution

To show that if f:GHf: G \to H and g:HKg: H \to K are morphisms, then gf:GKg \circ f: G \to K is also a morphism, we'll proceed as follows.

Definitions and Assumptions

  • Let GG, HH, and KK be groups.
  • A morphism (or homomorphism) between two groups is a function that preserves the group operation. Specifically, if f:GHf: G \to H is a morphism, then for all x,yGx, y \in G, we have: f(xy)=f(x)f(y)f(xy) = f(x)f(y) Similarly, if g:HKg: H \to K is a morphism, then for all a,bHa, b \in H, we have: g(ab)=g(a)g(b)g(ab) = g(a)g(b)

Proof

We need to show that the composition gf:GKg \circ f: G \to K is a morphism, i.e., for all x,yGx, y \in G: (gf)(xy)=(gf)(x)(gf)(y)(g \circ f)(xy) = (g \circ f)(x)(g \circ f)(y)

  1. Consider the composition gf:GKg \circ f: G \to K defined by: (gf)(x)=g(f(x))for all xG(g \circ f)(x) = g(f(x)) \quad \text{for all } x \in G

  2. Evaluate the composition on the product xyxy: (gf)(xy)=g(f(xy))(g \circ f)(xy) = g(f(xy))

  3. Use the fact that ff is a morphism: Since ff is a morphism, we have: f(xy)=f(x)f(y)f(xy) = f(x)f(y) Therefore: (gf)(xy)=g(f(x)f(y))(g \circ f)(xy) = g(f(x)f(y))

  4. Use the fact that gg is a morphism: Since gg is a morphism, we have: g(f(x)f(y))=g(f(x))g(f(y))g(f(x)f(y)) = g(f(x))g(f(y)) Therefore: (gf)(xy)=g(f(x))g(f(y))(g \circ f)(xy) = g(f(x))g(f(y))

  5. Recognize the result: Notice that: g(f(x))=(gf)(x)andg(f(y))=(gf)(y)g(f(x)) = (g \circ f)(x) \quad \text{and} \quad g(f(y)) = (g \circ f)(y) Hence: (gf)(xy)=(gf)(x)(gf)(y)(g \circ f)(xy) = (g \circ f)(x)(g \circ f)(y)

Conclusion

Since (gf)(xy)=(gf)(x)(gf)(y)(g \circ f)(xy) = (g \circ f)(x)(g \circ f)(y) for all x,yGx, y \in G, the composition gfg \circ f is a morphism from GG to KK.

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Here are 5 questions that relate to this topic:

  1. What are some examples of group homomorphisms?
  2. How can the concept of morphism be extended to other algebraic structures like rings?
  3. What is the kernel of a group homomorphism, and how does it relate to the morphism's injectivity?
  4. Can you explain the concept of an isomorphism and how it relates to homomorphisms?
  5. How does the First Isomorphism Theorem relate to group homomorphisms?

Tip: When composing two group homomorphisms, always remember that the composition of homomorphisms is itself a homomorphism. This property can greatly simplify working with complex algebraic structures.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Group theory
Group homomorphisms
Composition of functions

Formulas

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Theorems

Composition of homomorphisms theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Advanced undergraduate level