[Math] Show that the multiplicative group $\mathbb{Z}_{10}^{\times}$ is isomorphic to the additive group $\mathbb{Z}_4$.

abstract-algebragroup-theory

Show that the multiplicative group $\mathbb{Z}_{10}^{\times}$ is isomorphic to the additive group $\mathbb{Z}_4$.

I'm completely lost with this one.

Best Answer

First off, we have $\mathbb{Z}_4^+=\{0,1,2,3\}$, and $\mathbb{Z}_{10}^\times = \{1,3,7,9\}$.

Now, I'm going to tell you that $f:\mathbb{Z}_4^+ \to \mathbb{Z}_{10}^\times$ is a homomorphism for which $f(1) = 3$. What you have to figure out is: what are the values of $f(2),f(3),$ and $f(4)$, and why is this an isomorphism?


At this point, you should have the following: $$ \begin{align} f(1) &= 3\\ f(2) &= f(1+1) = f(1)f(1) = f(1)^2 = 9\\ f(3) &= \cdots = f(1)^3=7\\ f(4) &= \cdots = f(1)^4 = 1 \end{align} $$ In other words, we've defined $f$ by $f(n) = 3^n \pmod{10}$ for $n = 0,1,2,3$. Now, to prove $f$ is a homomorphism, it suffices to state that $$ f(n+m) = 3^{n+m}=3^n\cdot3^m \pmod{10} = f(n)f(m) $$

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