Lesson 2.

Groups
Learning Outcomes:
1. Define group.
2. Determine the properties to be satisfied for a set to form a group.
3. Verify and prove that the given set is a group using the properties of a group.

ACTIVITY: Consider a non-empty set G and define an operation (*) that combines the elements on
G, that is, . Given G to be the set of whole number, , and the operation * be defined to be addition
(+). Examine if closure, associativity, identity and inverse properties are satisfied.

Given the set (W, +) Proof

Closure Property
Is a+b=c ?
Associative Property
Is ( a+b ) + c=a+ ( b+ c )?
Identity Property
Does the identity (e) exist?
Inverse Property
Does the inverse of a exist?
Let a and b be an element in W.
Then , a+b=c , where c ∈W
This implies that adding two whole numbers will have a sum which is a whole
number. It is not possible to get a non-whole number as an answer. Thus, the
closure property is satisfied.
Let a, b, and c be an element in W.
Then , ( a+b )+ c=a+ ( b+c )
a+ b+c=a+b+ c
It is not possible to get a non-whole number as an answer. Thus, the
associative property is satisfied.
Let a be an element in W.
Then , a+e=a
e=a−a e=0
This shows that the identity element of the set of whole number W exists.
Thus, identity property is satisfied.
Let a be an element in W.
−1
Then , a+a =e
a+ a−1=0 ,
−1
a =0−a
a−1=−a
This shows that the inverse of an element in the set of whole number W does
not exist. Thus, the inverse property is not satisfied.

Question 1. Which of the properties is/are not satisfied?

Inverse property
__________________________________________________________________________________.
Question 2. Is the set of whole number a group? Why?
Yes, because a group is the set of all elements in the which it can contain positive and negative integers,
real numbers, etc.
__________________________________________________________________________________.
 ACQUIRE: This time consider a group G which is the set of integers and let the operation be
defined to be addition, (Z, +).

Given the set (Z, +) Proof

Closure Property Let a and b be an element in Z.
Then , a+b=c , where c ∈ Z

This implies that adding two whole integers will give a sum that is an integer. Thus, the
closure property is satisfied.
Associative Property Let a, b, and c be an element in Z.
Then , ( a+b )+ c=a+ ( b+c )
a+ b+c=a+b+ c
It is not possible to get a non-integer as an answer. Thus, the associative property is
satisfied
Identity Property Let a be an element in Z.
Then , a+e=a
e=a−a
e=0
This shows that the identity element of the set of integer Z exists. Thus, the identity
property is satisfied.
Inverse Property Let a be an element in Z.
−1
Then , a+a =e
−1
a+ a =0 ,
−1
a =0−a
−1
a =−a
This shows that the inverse of an element in the set of whole number Z exists. Thus, the
inverse property is satisfied.

Question 1. Which of the properties is/are not satisfied?

None
________________________________________________________________________

Question 2. Is the set of integers a group? Why?

Yes, because it satisfies the four properties; closure, associativity, identity, and inverse properties.
____________________________________________________________________________

Question 3. When can you say that the set is a group?

A set is group when it satisfies the four properties.
____________________________________________________________________________

Question 4. What is the notation for a group G with a binary operation (*)?
|G|
__________________________________________________________________________
Note:
1. The purpose of Abstract Algebra is to see if there are other sets with operation * behaving like
the set of integers Z.
 2. If an algebraic structure forms a group, there are certain mathematical operations we can do.

Example: In the set Q, find an x that satisfies 3x + 2 = 4.

Solution: 3x + 2 = 4 Given
(3x + 2) – 2 = 4 – 2, ( Every group has an inverse)
3x + (2 – 2 ) = 2 (Every group is associative)
3x + 0 =2 (The inverse property of a group says that the sum of a number and its
inverse is the identity element)
3x = 2 (Identity property of a group G)
(3)-1 3x = (3)-1 2 and so x = 2/3.

ACQUIRE: Based on the activity, formulate your own definition for a Group

Definition of a Group
Group is the set of all integers which is closed under the binary operation that satisfies the four
properties; closure, associativity, identity and inverse.

ACQUIRE: Based on the activity, enumerate the properties to be satisfied to form a Group. In each
property, determine the guiding principle/rule.

Properties of a Group. (Hint: Let G be a group and let * be the binary operation)

Property Principle
Closure a+b=c where c is in G
Associative a+(b+c) = (a+b) +c
Identity a+e=a
Inverse a+a-1=e

APPLY: Determine whether the given set is a group or not. If the set is not a group, state the reason.

A. The set of rational numbers without 0 under multiplication

G=¿Q ¿ , x >¿
Prove: Let a, b and c be an element of Q*
ai
Or Let , where i=1,2, 3, … be an element of Q*| a and b
bi
are all real not equal to zero.
Closure
a+b=c
a1 a2 a1 a2 a3
X = ¿ which is an element of Q*
b1 b2 b1 b2 b3
 Thus, multiplication of rational numbers excluding O is closed.
Identity:
axe=a
a1 a1
x e=
b1 b1
e=1
Thus, identity exists in the set of Q*
Inverse:
a x a-1=e. a x a-1 = 1
1
a-1 = , which is in Q*
a
Thus, the inverse exists in the set of Q*

Associativity
a x (b x c) = (a x b) x c
a2 a 4 a1 a2 a 4
¿ x ¿ x = x ( x ¿ which is in Q*
b2 b 4 b1 b2 b 4
a12 a4 a1 a24
( )x = x( ¿
b12 b4 b1 b24

( )
a124
b124
= (
a124
b124
¿ where a 124 =a7 ∧b124 =b 7(just renaming)

( ) a7 a7
=
b7 b7
Thus, multiplication of rational numbers (Q*) (excluding zero) is associative
Therefore, <Q*, x > is a group.

B. The set of Complex of complex numbers.C=¿ a+ bi ,+¿ where a∧b ϵ R

ASSESS: Group or Not Group

Identify whether the given set is a Group or not. If the set is not a group give the property that is
not satisfied.

ab
1. The set of ¿ Q +¿,∗¿¿ , where * is defined by a∗b= . (Group)
2
❑
2. Even integer under addition G=¿2 n ,+¿ (Group)
3. G=¿ H ,∗¿, where H={n2∨n∈ Z +¿}¿ an * is defined to be + (Group)
4. G=¿ H ,∗¿, where H={n2∨n∈ Z +¿}¿ an * is defined to be x (
5. Set of all real-valued functions having R as the domain under the binary operations
addition, multiplication, subtraction and composition. (Group)
6. The set of M nxn ( R ) of all n x n matrices under multiplication. Not a group
7. The set of M m x n ( R ) of all m x n matrices under addition. (Not a group)
8. The General Linear Group, nonsingular n x n matrices under matrix multiplication
G=¿GLn , x >¿ (group)
❑
9. Odd integer under addition G=¿2 n+1 ,+¿ (group)
10. Integer under multiplication G=¿ Z , x >¿ (Group)