# Math Help - Roots of Unity as a group

1. ## Roots of Unity as a group

Let $G=\{z\in\mathbb{Z}: \ z^n=1, \ n\in\mathbb{N}\}$.
Prove $(G,*)$ is an abelian group under multiplication.

This makes sense since the units $\mathbb{Z}_p$ are group under multiplication.

$1+0\mathbf{i}$ is the identity.

How do I find the inverse?

2. ## Re: Roots of Unity as a group

Originally Posted by dwsmith
Let $G=\{z\in\mathbb{Z}: \ z^n=1, n\in\mathbb{N}\}$.
Prove $(G,*)$ is an abelian group under multiplication.
$1+0\mathbf{i}$ is the identity.
How do I find the inverse?
Here is a hint:
$\exp \left( {\frac{{\pi i}}{5}} \right)$ is a $10^{th}$ root of unity.

$\exp \left( {\frac{{9\pi i}}{5}} \right)$ is its inverse.

3. ## Re: Roots of Unity as a group

Originally Posted by Plato
Here is a hint:
$\exp \left( {\frac{{\pi i}}{5}} \right)$ is a $10^{th}$ root of unity.

$\exp \left( {\frac{{9\pi i}}{5}} \right)$ is its inverse.
So the inverse is
$\exp\left(\frac{2\pi i(n-k)}{n}\right)$

4. ## Re: Roots of Unity as a group

For associative and commutative, that is trivial true since $\mathbb{C}$ is a field, correct?

5. ## Re: Roots of Unity as a group

Originally Posted by dwsmith
For associative and commutative, that is trivial true since $\mathbb{C}$ is a field, correct?
Well it is a field after all!