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Date May 2008 Marks available 17 Reference code 08M.3srg.hl.TZ1.3
Level HL only Paper Paper 3 Sets, relations and groups Time zone TZ1
Command term Find, Show that, and State Question number 3 Adapted from N/A

Question

(a)     Find the six roots of the equation z61=0 , giving your answers in the form rcisθrR+0θ<2π .

(b)     (i)     Show that these six roots form a group G under multiplication of complex numbers.

          (ii)     Show that G is cyclic and find all the generators.

          (iii)     Give an example of another group that is isomorphic to G, stating clearly the corresponding elements in the two groups.

Markscheme

(a)     z6=1=cis2nπ     (M1)

The six roots are

cis0(1), cisπ3, cis2π3, cisπ(1), cis4π3, cis5π3     A3

Note: Award A2 for 4 or 5 correct roots, A1 for 2 or 3 correct roots.

 

[4 marks]

 

(b)     (i)     Closure: Consider any two roots cismπ3, cisnπ3.     M1

cismπ3×cisnπ3=cis(m+n)(mod6)π3G     A1

Note: Award M1A1 for a correct Cayley table showing closure.

 

Identity: The identity is 1.     A1

Inverse: The inverse of cismπ3 is cis(6m)π3G .     A2

Associative: This follows from the associativity of multiplication.     R1

The 4 group axioms are satisfied.     R1

 

(ii)     Successive powers of cisπ3(or cis5π3)

generate the group which is therefore cyclic.     R2

The (only) other generator is cis5π3(or cisπ3) .     A1

Note: Award A0 for any additional answers.

 

(iii)     The group of the integers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 under addition modulo 6.     R2

The correspondence is

mcismπ3     R1

Note: Accept any other cyclic group of order 6.

 

[13 marks]

Total [17 marks]

Examiners report

This question was reasonably well answered by many candidates, although in (b)(iii), some candidates were unable to give another group isomorphic to G.

Syllabus sections

Topic 8 - Option: Sets, relations and groups » 8.9 » Cyclic groups.

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