Exercise · ZW-DIRECT-PRODUCT-OF-GROUPS-005 · ★☆☆ Basic

When is the direct product \(G\times H\) abelian?

Choose one option.

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  • A. Exactly when \(G\) and \(H\) are both abelian

Explanation

Since the operation is componentwise, \((g_1,h_1)(g_2,h_2)=(g_2,h_2)(g_1,h_1)\) for all pairs is equivalent to \(g_1g_2=g_2g_1\) and \(h_1h_2=h_2h_1\). If one factor is not abelian, neither is the product.

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Review the concept: Direct product of groups

The direct product \(G\times H\) of two groups \(G\) and \(H\) is the set of pairs \((g,h)\), with \(g\in G\) and \(h\in H\), with the operation defined componentwise.

\[(g_1,h_1)(g_2,h_2)=(g_1g_2,\;h_1h_2)\]

More practice problems: direct product of groups

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