Program : B.

Tech
Subject Name: Discrete Structure
Subject Code: CS-302
Semester: 3rd
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Subject Notes
CS301 - Discrete Structures

UNIT-2
Group Theory is a branch of mathematics and abstract algebra that defines an algebraic structure named as
Group. Generally, a group comprises of a set of elements and an operation over any two elements on that set
to form a third element also in that set. In 1854, Arthur Cayley, the British Mathematician, gave the modern
defi itio of g oup fo the fi st ti e −
“A set of symbols all of them different, and such that the product of any two of them (no matter in what
order), or the product of any one of them into itself, belongs to the set, is said to be a group. These symbols
are ot i ge eral o verti le [ o utative], ut are asso iative.”
Any set of elements in a mathematical system may be defined with a set of operators and a number of
postulates.

Algebric Structure
an algebraic structure is a set (called carrier set or underlying set) with one or more finitary operations defined
on it that satisfies a list of axioms.
A binary operator defined on a set of elements is a rule that assigns to each pair of elements a unique element
from that set. For example, given the set A={1,2,3,4,5}
, we can say o is a binary operator for the operation c=aob, if it specifies a rule for finding c for the pair of (a,b),
such that a,b,c A.

Properties of Algebric Structure

The postulates of a mathematical system form the basic assumptions from which rules can be deduced. The
postulates a e −
1. Closure- A set is closed with respect to a binary operator if for every pair of elements in the set, the
operator finds a unique element from that set.
Example
Let A={ , , , , , ,…}
This set is closed under binary operator into (∗) , because for the operation c=a∗b, for any a,b A, the product
c A.
The set is not closed under binary operator divide (÷) , because, for the operation c=a÷b, for any a,b A, the
product c may not be in the set A. If a=7,b=2, then c=3.5. Here a,b A but c A
2. Associative Laws - A binary operator ⊗ o a set A is asso iati e he it holds the follo i g p ope t −
(x⊗y)⊗z=x⊗(y⊗z) , where x,y,z A
Example
Let A={1,2,3,4} The operator plus (+) is associative because for any three elements, x,y,z A, the property
(x+y)+z=x+(y+z) holds.
The ope ato i us − is ot asso iati e si e
(x−y −z≠x− y−z)
3. Commutative Laws - A binary operator ⊗ on a set A is commutative when it holds the following
p ope t −
x⊗y=y⊗x , where x,y A
Example
Let A={1,2,3,4} The operator plus (+) is commutative because for any two elements, x,y A, the property
x+y=y+x holds.
The ope ato i us − is ot asso iati e si e
x−y≠y−x
4. Distributive Laws - Two binary operators ⊗ and ⊛ on a set A, are distributive over operator ⊛

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he the follo i g p ope t holds −

x⊗(y⊛z)=(x⊗y)⊛(x⊗z) , where x,y,z A
Example
Let A={1,2,3,4} The operators into (∗) and plus (+) are distributive over operator + because for any three
elements, x,y,z A, the property x∗(y+z)=(x∗y)+(x∗z) holds.
However, these operators are not distributive over ∗ since
x+(y∗z ≠ x+y)∗(x+z)
5. Identity Element - A set A has an identity element with respect to a binary operation ⊗ on A, if there
exists an element e A , su h that the follo i g p ope t holds −
e⊗x=x⊗e , where x A
Example
Let Z={ , , , , , ,…} The ele e t is a ide tit ele e t ith espe t to operation ∗
since for any element x Z,
1∗x=x∗1
O the othe ha d, the e is o ide tit ele e t fo the ope atio i us −
6. Inverse - If a set A has an identity element e with respect to a binary operator ⊗, it is said to have an
inverse whenever for every element x A, there exists another element y A , such that the following
p ope t holds −
x⊗y=e
Example
Let A={⋯− ,− ,− ,− , , , , , , ,…} Gi e the ope atio plus + a d e= , the i e se of a ele e t is −x)
since x+(x)=0

Semigroup
A finite or infinite set S′ ith a i a ope atio ο′ (Composition) is called semigroup if it holds following two
o ditio s si ulta eousl −
i. Closure − Fo e e pai a,b) S,(aο ) has to be present in the set S
ii. Associative − Fo e e ele e t a,b,c S,(aο )ο =aο( ο ) must hold.
Example
The set of positive integers (excluding zero) with addition operation is a semigroup. For example, S={ , , ,…}
Here closure property holds as for every pair (a,b) S,(a+b) is present in the set S. For example, 1+2=3 S]
Associative property also holds for every element a,b,c S,(a+b)+c=a+(b+c). For example, (1+2)+3=1+(2+3)=5

Monoid
A monoid is a semigroup with an identity element. The identity element (denoted by e or E) of a set S is an
element such that (aοe)=a, for every element a S. An identity element is also called a unit element. So, a
o oid holds th ee p ope ties si ulta eousl − Closure, Associative, Identity element.
Example
The set of positive integers (excluding zero) with multiplication operation is a monoid. S={ , , ,…}
1. Here closure property holds as for every pair (a,b) S,(a×b) is present in the set S. [For example,
1×2=2 S and so on]
2. Associative property also holds for every element a,b,c S,(a×b)×c=a×(b×c) [For example,
(1×2)×3=1×(2×3)=6 and so on]
3. Identity property also holds for every element a S,(a×e)=a [For example, (2×1)=2,(3×1)=3
and so on]. Here identity element is 1.

Group
A group is a monoid with an inverse element. The inverse element (denoted by I) of a set S is an element such
that (aοI)=(Iοa)=a , for each element a S . So, a group holds four properties simultaneously –

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i) Closure, ii) Associative, iii) Identity element, iv) Inverse element.

The order of a group G is the number of elements in G and the order of an element in a group is the least
positive integer n such that an is the identity element of that group G.
Examples
The set of N×N non-singular matrices form a group under matrix multiplication operation.
1. The product of two N×N non-singular matrices is also an N×N
2. non-singular matrix which holds closure property.
3. Matrix multiplication itself is associative. Hence, associative property holds.
4. The set of N×N non-singular matrices contains the identity matrix holding the identity element
property.
As all the matrices are non-singular they all have inverse elements which are also nonsingular matrices. Hence,
inverse property also holds.

Abelian Group
An abelian group G is a group for which the element pair (a,b) G always holds commutative law. So, a group
holds five properties simultaneously –
i) Closure, ii) Associative, iii) Identity element, iv) Inverse element, v) Commutative.
Example
The set of positive integers (including zero) with addition operation is an abelian group. G={ , , , ,…}
1. Here closure property holds as for every pair (a,b) S,(a+b) is present in the set S. [For example,
1+2=2 S and so on]
2. Associative property also holds for every element a,b,c S,(a+b)+c=a+(b+c) [For example,
(1+2)+3=1+(2+3)=6 and so on]
3. Identity property also holds for every element a S,(a×e)=a [For example, (2×1)=2,(3×1)=3 and so on].
Here, identity element is 1.
4. Commutative property also holds for every element a S,(a×b)=(b×a) [For example, (2×3)=(3×2)=3
5. Inverse Property also holds for every element a • b = b • a = e [For example 0+1 = 1+0 =1]

1. If G is a group with binary operation , then the left and right cancellation laws hold in G. that is, a b=a c
Properties of Groups

implies b=c, and b a=c a implies b=c for all a, b, c G.

Proof - Suppose a * = a * . The the e e ists a i e se of a to a. Apply this inverse on the left,
a * a* =a * a*
By the associatively law,
a *a * = a *a *
Si e a is the i e se of a, a * a =e, e ha e
e*b=e*c
By the definition of e,
b=c
Similarly for the right cancellation

2. If G is a group with binary operation , and if a and b are any elements of G, then the linear equations a 
x=b and y  a=b have unique solutions x and y in G.
Proof: First we show the existence of at least one solution by just computing that a  b is a solution of a  x=b.
Note that
a * a * = a *a * , asso iati e la ,
=e * , defi itio of a ,
=b, property of e.

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Thus = a  b is a solution a  x=b. In a similar fashion, y=b  a is a solutio of  a=b.

To show uniqueness of y, we assume that we have two solutions, y 1 and y2, so that y1 a=b and y2 a=b. Then y1
a=y2 a, and by Theorem 4.15, y1=y2. The uniqueness of x follows similarly.

3. In a group G with binary operation , there is only one element e in G such that
e x=xe=x
for all x G. Likewise for each a G, the e is o l o e ele e t a i G su h that
a a=aa =e

Cyclic Group and Subgroup

A cyclic group is a group that can be generated by a single element. Every element of a cyclic group is a power
of so e spe ifi ele e t hi h is alled a ge e ato . A li g oup a e ge e ated a ge e ato g , su h
that every other element of the g oup a e itte as a po e of the ge e ato g .
Example
The set of complex numbers { ,− ,i,−i} under multiplication operation is a cyclic group.
Solution- There are two generators – I and –i as i1=i,i =− ,i =−i,i4=1 and also (–i =−i,(–i =− , –i)3=i,(–i)4=1
which covers all the elements of the group. Hence, it is a cyclic group.
Note − A cyclic group is always an abelian group but not every abelian group is a cyclic group. The rational
numbers under addition is not cyclic but is abelian.

A subgroup H is a subset of a group G (denoted by H G) if it satisfies the four properties simultaneousl −

Closure, Associative, Identity element, and Inverse.
A subgroup H of a group G that does not include the whole group G is called a proper subgroup (Denoted by
H<G ). A subgroup of a cyclic group is cyclic and a abelian subgroup is also abelian.
Example
Let a group G={1,i,− ,−i}
Then some subgroups are H1={1},H ={ ,− }, This is ot a su g oup − H3={1,i} because that (i − =−i is not in H3

Coset
Gi e H G, a left oset of H i G is a su set of G of the fo gH = {gh|h H} for some g G. Similarly a right
coset of H in G is a subset of G of the form Hg = {hg|h H} for some g G. Notice since g = eg = ge that g Hg
and g gH.
Example Suppose G = Σ 3, H =< (1, 2) >= {e,(1, 2)} and g = (1, 3). Then a simple computation shows that gH = {(1,
3),(1, 2, 3)} while Hg = {(1, 3),(1, 3, 2)} and sogH 6= Hg. Thus we see that for a fixed element g, the left cosetgH
may be different from the right coset Hg in general.

Multiplying elements and setsOf course, the expression gH does not make immediate sense from the group
axioms. What it means, by definition, is gH = {gh | h H} .
To put this another way, the golden rule is this: if you know that f gH, then you can conclude that there is
some h H so that f = gh.
Applying the golden rule Consider G = S4 and H = {id,(1, 2)}. If g = (2, 3, 4), thengH = {(2, 3, 4),(2, 3, 4)(1, 2)} =
{(2, 3, 4),(1, 3, 4, 2)}. Now let f = (3, 4, 2, 1)—this is an element of gH. Which h H satisfies f = gh?
Or
if g = (1, 3)(2, 4), then gH = {(1, 3)(2, 4),(1, 4, 2, 3)}. If you let f = (1, 4, 2, 3), which h H satisfies f = gh this
time?
compute the two cosets g1H ⊂ S4 and g2H ⊂ S4 for H = {id,(1, 2, 3, 4),(1, 3)(2, 4),(1, 4, 3, 2)} and g1 = (1, 3, 2),
g2 = (1, 2, 3, 4).

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Factor Group
If N is a normal subgroup of G, then the group of left cosets of N in G is called the factor group of G
determined by N. It will be denoted by G/N.
Example Let N be a normal subgroup of G. If a G, then the order of aN in G/N is the smallest positive integer
n such that an N.

Permutations Group
A permutation of a set X is a function σ : X → X that is o e-to-one and onto, i.e., a bijective map.
Example
A = {1,2,3}
There are six permutations for this set, namely

1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
1 2 3 1 3 2 2 1 3 2 3 1 3 1 2 3 2 1

Normal Subgroup
A normal subgroup is a subgroup which is invariant under conjugation by members of the group of which it is a
part. In other words, a subgroup H of a group G is normal in G if and only if gH = Hg for all g in G; i.e., the sets
of left and right cosets coincide.
gH = Hg
Homomorphism
Definition: A g oup ho o o phis φ : G → G is a iso o phis if φ is a bijection. If there is an isomorphism
between G and G0 we say G and G0 are isomorphic. This is denoted by G ∼= G0 .
Gi e a ho o o phis φ : G → G the e a e su g oups of ea h that a i di ate to us hethe φ is i je ti e
or surjective. Definition. Let φ : G → G e a ho o o phis . Defi e ke φ = {g G : φ g = eG }. This is alled
the ke el of φ. Defi e i φ = {φ g : g G}. This is alled the i age of φ. We usuall use the otatio φ G fo
im(G).
Example If φ : GL ‘ → ‘\{ } is gi e φ A = det A the ke φ A = SL ‘ a d i φ = ‘\{0}.

Theorem Letφ : G → G e a ho o o phis . The .ke φ is a su g oup of G, a d φ is i je ti e if a d o l if

ke φ = eG. . i φ is a su g oup of G , a d φ is su je ti e if a d o l if i φ = G o e ui ale tl , φ G =
G0 ).
Proof. If a, b ke φ , the φ a − = φ a φ − = eG eG − = eG so the Su g oup Test, ke φ is a
subgroup.
No if ke φ = {e} the φ a = φ =⇒φ a − = e =⇒ a − = e =⇒ a = b.
Mo eo e , if φ is i je ti e, then
φ a = e =⇒φ a = φ e =⇒ a = e, so ke φ = {e}.

Isomorphism
The ho o o phis φ : G → G is a iso o phis if a d o l if the e e ists a ho o o phis ψ : G → G
su h that φ ◦ ψ = ψ ◦ φ a e ide tit aps o thei espe ti e g oups.
Proof : Defi e ψ a to be the unique pre-i age of a u de φ. Si e φ is a ije tio , this is ell defi ed a d φ ◦
ψ = ψ ◦ φ a e ide tit aps et ee thei espe ti e g oups. O e eeds to he k ψ is i deed a
ho o o phis , ut this effe ti el o es fo f ee si e φ is o e.

Example and standard result on Group

Integers Z with addition
(G1) a, b Z =⇒ a + b Z

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(G2) (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)
(G3) the identity element is 0 as a + 0 = 0 + a = a and 0 Z
(G4) the inverse of a ) is −a as a + −a = −a + a = a d −a Z (G5) a + b = b + a

The set Zn of congruence classes modulo n with addition

(G1) [a], [b] Zn =⇒ [a] + [b] = [a + b] Zn
(G2) ([a] + [b]) + [c] = [a + b + c] = [a] + ([b] + [c])
(G3) the identity element is [0] as [a] + [0] = [0] + [a] = [a]
(G4) the in e se of [a] is [−a] as [a] + [−a] = [−a] + [a] = [ ]
(G5) [a] + [b] = [a + b] = [b] + [a]

The set Gn of invertible congruence classes modulo n with multiplication

A congruence class [a]n Zn belongs to Gn if gcd(a, n) = 1.
(G1) [a]n, [b]n Gn =⇒gcd(a, n) = gcd(b, n) = 1 =⇒gcd(ab, n) = 1 =⇒ [a]n[b]n = [ab]n Gn
(G2) ([a][b])[c] = [abc] = [a]([b][c])
(G3) the identity element is [1] as [a][1] = [1][a] = [a]
G the i e se of [a] is [a] − defi itio of [a] −
(G5) [a][b] = [ab] = [b][a]

Permutations S(n) with composition (= multiplication)

G π a d σ a e ije ti e fu tio s f o the set { , , . . . , } to itself =⇒ so is πσ
G π σ τ a d π σ τ applied to k, k , oth ield π σ τ k .
G the ide tit ele e t is id as π id = id π = π
G the i e se of π is π − defi itio of the i e se fu tio G fails fo as as =
while (2 3)(1 2) = (1 3 2).

Ring
The definition of a ring: A structure (R, +, ·) is a ring if R is a non-empty set and + and · are binary operations:
+: ‘ × ‘ → ‘, a, → a + · : ‘ × ‘ → ‘, a, →a·
such that
Addition: (R, +) is an abeliangroup, that is,
(A1) associativity: for all a, b, c R we have a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c
(A2) zero element: there exists 0 R such that for all a R we have a + 0 = 0 + a = a
(A3) inverses: for any a ‘ the e e ists −a ‘ su h that a + −a = −a + a =
(A4) commutativity: for all a, b R we have a + b = b + a

Multiplication:
(M1) associativity: for all a, b, c R we have a · (b · c) = (a · b) · c

Addition and multiplication together (D) for all a, b, c R,

a · (b + c) = a · b + a · c and (a + b) · c = a · b + b · c.
We so eti es sa ‘ is a i g , take it as gi e that the i g ope atio s a e de oted + a d ·. As i o di ary
arithmetic we shall frequently suppress · and write ab instead of a · b

Special types of rings: definitions. Assume (R; +, ·) is a ring. We say R is a commutative ring if its multiplication ·
is commutative, that is,
(M4) Commutativity: a · b = b · a for all a, b R. We say R is a ring with 1 (or ring with identity) if there exists an
identity for multiplication, that is,
(M2) identity element: there exists 1 R such that for all a R we have a · 1 = 1 · a = a.

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Examples of rings
Number systems
(1) All of Z, Q, R and C are commutative rings with identity (with the number 1 as the identity).
(2) N is NOT a ring for the usual addition and multiplication. These are binary operations and we do have a zero
element, namely 0, so axiom (A2) holds. However (A3) (existence of additive inverses) fails: there is no n N
for which 1 + n = 0, for example.
(3) Consider the set of even integers, denoted 2Z, with the usual addition and multiplication. This is a
commutative ring without an identity. To verify that (M2) fails it is not sufficient just to say that the integer 1
does not belong to 2Z. Instead we argue as follows. Suppose for contradiction that there were an element e
2Z such that n·e = n for all n 2Z. In particular 2e = 2, from which we deduce that e would have to be 1. Since
1 / 2Z we have a contradiction.

Matrix rings Under the usual matrix addition and multiplication Mn(R) and Mn(C), are rings with 1, but are not
commutative (unless n = 1). If we restrict to invertible matrices we no longer have a ring, because there is then
no zero for addition.
PolynomialsPolynomials, with real coefficients, form a commutative ring with identity under the usual addition
and multiplication; we denote this by R[x].
Modular arithmetic Binary arithmetic on {0, 1} (see 1.2(4)) gives us a 2-element commutative ring with
identity. More generally we get a commutative ring with identity if we consider addition and multiplication
od o { , , . . . , − }.
Calculational rules for rings.
Assume that (R; +, ·) is a commutative ring.
Let a, b, c R.
(i) If a + b = a + c then b = c.
(ii) If a + a = a then a = 0.
iii − −a = a.
(iv) 0a = 0.
− a = −a = a − . Assu e i additio that ‘ has a ide tit The
i − a = −a.
(vii) If a R has a multipli ati e ide tit a − the a = i plies = .

Field
A field is a ring in which the elements, other than the identity element for addition, and the multiplication
operator, also form a group.
● There are only two kinds of finite fields. One kind is the field formed by addition and multiplication
modulo a prime number.
● The other kind of finite field has a number of elements that is a power of a prime number.
● The addition operator consists of multiple independent additions modulo that prime. The elements of
the field can be thought of as polynomials whose coefficients are numbers modulo that prime. In that
case, multiplication is polynomial multiplication, where not only the coefficients modulo that prime,
but the polynomials are modulo a special kind of polynomial, known as a primitive polynomial. All finite
fields, but particularly those of this second kind, are known as Galois fields.
● A commutative ring which has more than one element such that every non-zero element of S has a
multiplicative inverse in S is called a field.
The i g of e e i tege s is a su i g of the i g of i tege s. Let •> a d Å , ¤ > e i gs. A appi g of g : ‘® S is
alled a i g ho o o phis f o a d Å ,¤ > if fo a a, , Î ‘ g a + = g a Å g a d g a • = g a ¤ g .
Standard results
If R is a ring and a, b, c, d R, evaluate (a + b)(c + d).

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Solution: (a + b)(c + d) = a(c + d) + b(c + d)

by distributive law
= (ac + ad) + (bc + bd)
= ac + ad + bc + bd

Prove that if a, b R, then (a + b) 2 = a 2 + ab + ba + b 2 where by x 2 we mean xx.

Solution: (a + b) 2 = (a + b)(a + b) = a(a + b) + b(a + b) = a 2 + ab + ba + b 2 Note that if R is not a commutative
ring ab 6= ba.
If in a ring R every x R satisfies x 2 = x,prove that R must be commutative (A ring in which x 2 = x for all
elements is called a Boolean ring).
Solution: Let x, y R. Then (x + y) 2 = (x + y)(x + y) = x 2 + xy + yx + y 2 Since x 2 = x and y 2 = y we have x + y = x +
+ + . He e = − . But fo e e ‘ − = − 2 = − − = 2 = . He e − = i.e. e o tai =
yx.

Prove that any field is an integral domain.

Solutio : Let a = a d e t o ele e ts i the field F a d a = . Si e F is a field a d a = . e ha e a −
F. He e a − a = a − = . So e o tai = . He ce there exists no zero divisor in F.

If U is an ideal of R and 1 U, prove that U = R.

Solution: Since for any r R and u U, ru U we have for any r R, r1 = r U. Hence R = U.

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