How do you show that the centre of a group is a subgroup

To show something is a subgroup we need to show that it satisfies the group axioms. Therefore we need to show that if g and h are in Z(G) then gh is in Z(G), g^-1 is in Z(G), the identity e is in Z(G). As eg = g = ge for all elements g in G we can see e is in Z(G). Then suppose we have g and h in Z(G). Then for all elements j in G we have ghj = gjh as h is in Z(G) = jgh as g is in Z(G). Therefore Z(G) is closed under the group operation. Also we have g^-1 j = g^-1 j e as e is the identity = g^-1 j g g^-1 by definition of inverses = g^-1 g j g^-1 as g is in Z(G) = e j g^-1 = j g^-1 and so g^-1 is in Z(G) and so Z(G) is closed under inverses and is therefore a subgroup of G

AR
Answered by Alex R. Further Mathematics tutor

3247 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

It is given that f(x)=(x^2 +9x)/((x-1)(x^2 +9)). (i) Express f(x) in partial fractions. (ii) Hence find the integral of f(x) with respect to x.


What are imaginary numbers, and why do we bother thinking about them if they don't exist?


When and how do I use proof by induction?


Two planes have eqns r.(3i – 4j + 2k) = 5 and r = λ (2i + j + 5k) + μ(i – j – 2k), where λ and μ are scalar parameters. Find the acute angle between the planes, giving your answer to the nearest degree.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning