Quick group theory proof with some minor inquiries

[Syrus]

Homework Statement

See attachment, problem #19a.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

a) Let j ∈ S X S be arbitrary. Then j is an ordered pair of the form (a,b) for some a,b ∈ S. Now let c = a + b + ab ∈ S. Then clearly a*b = c. Now let d ∈ S and assume a*b = d. But then it follows that c = a + b + ab = d.

^My only concern with this proof is that it doesn't explicitly demonstrate that * is closed on S. That is, that a*b is always not -1. I figured this may not have to be shown or just has to do with the properties of addition on the set S, but thought I'd inquire if this is a valid qualm?

 

[nonequilibrium]

Hello,

Indeed, you need to show that a*b is never -1. You can show this using reductio ad absurdum.

 

[issacnewton]

since a, b are in S , you know [itex]a\neq -1 \;, b\neq -1[/itex] , what you have to prove
is an implication

[tex][(a\neq -1)\wedge(b\neq -1)\Rightarrow(a+b+ab\neq -1)] [/tex]

use contrapositve

[tex][(a+b+ab=-1)\Rightarrow (a=-1)\vee(b=-1)] [/tex]

prove this ...