Show isomorphism between two groups

In summary, the given problem asks to show that a non-abelian group of order 12 with exactly 2 elements of order 6 and 7 elements of order 2 is isomorphic to the dihedral group D12. The attempted solution considers the cyclic subgroup generated by an element of order 6 and the complement of this subgroup, which has index 2. However, this complement is not a subgroup and the solution does not utilize the non-abelian property or the number of elements of order 2 in G. Therefore, a correct proof is still needed.
  • #1
playa007
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0

Homework Statement


Suppose G is a non-abelian group of order 12 in which there are exactly two
elements of order 6 and exactly 7 elements of order 2. Show that G is isomorphic to the
dihedral group D12.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


My attempt (and what is listed in the official solutions) was to first consider the cyclic group generated by an element of order 6 in group G. Thus, this cyclic group has order 6. Consider the elements in G \ <x> (complement of G and <x>); this subgroup has index 2(but the problem here its not even a subgroup since it has no identity element); so all the elements of G \ <x> has order 2(deduced from the hypothesis) and is a normal subgroup so by definition of normal subgroups, yxy^-1 = x^-1 is satisfied and G can be written as {x^6 = 1 , y^2 = 1 such that yxy^-1 = x^-1} which is precisely the same group structure as D12 => isomorphic.

I'm certain that there is a crucial flaw here and a correct proof or a way to fix the existing proof is very much appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Yes that is a crucial flaw. And the solution doesn't seem to use the fact that G is nonabelian or that there are 7 elements of order 2 in G. These are things that you'd probably want to take advantage of!
 

Related to Show isomorphism between two groups

1. What is a group?

A group is a mathematical concept that describes a set of objects and a binary operation that combines any two objects in the set to produce a third object in the set. A group must satisfy four axioms: closure, associativity, identity, and inverse.

2. What is an isomorphism?

An isomorphism is a bijective map between two groups that preserves the group structure. This means that the map must preserve the binary operation and the identity element of the groups.

3. How do you show isomorphism between two groups?

To show isomorphism between two groups, you must first prove that there exists a bijective map between the two groups. Then, you must show that the map preserves the group structure by demonstrating that the binary operation and identity element are preserved.

4. Why is it important to show isomorphism between two groups?

Showing isomorphism between two groups allows us to understand the relationship between the two groups and their structures. It also allows us to transfer knowledge and properties from one group to another, making it easier to solve problems and prove theorems.

5. What are some common techniques used to show isomorphism between two groups?

Some common techniques used to show isomorphism between two groups include defining a specific map between the two groups, using algebraic properties of the groups, and showing that the groups have the same order. Other techniques may involve finding a homomorphism or using group presentations.

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