# Math Help - Q\to Q by q\to kq

1. ## Q\to Q by q\to kq

Prove that for all fixed $k\in\mathbb{Q}$ such that k isn't 0 the map $\varphi :\mathbb{Q}\to\mathbb{Q}$ defined by $\varphi (q)=kq$ is an automorphism of $\mathbb{Q}$.

So I need to show it is an isomorphism. I am having a problem with the homomorphism part though.

Let $q,r\in\mathbb{Q}$. $\varphi (qr)=kqr$ but $\varphi (q)\varphi(r)=kqkr=k^2qr$.

What do I need to do?

2. ## Re: Q\to Q by q\to kq

Originally Posted by dwsmith
Prove that for all fixed $k\in\mathbb{Q}$ such that k isn't 0 the map $\varphi :\mathbb{Q}\to\mathbb{Q}$ defined by $\varphi (q)=kq$ is an automorphism of $\mathbb{Q}$.

So I need to show it is an isomorphism. I am having a problem with the homomorphism part though.

Let $q,r\in\mathbb{Q}$. $\varphi (qr)=kqr$ but $\varphi (q)\varphi(r)=kqkr=k^2qr$.

What do I need to do?
You need to remember that you are looking at the rationals under addition! So,

$\varphi(p+q)=k(p+q)=kp+kq=\varphi(p)+\varphi(q)$.

3. ## Re: Q\to Q by q\to kq

Originally Posted by Swlabr
You need to remember that you are looking at the rationals under addition! So,

$\varphi(p+q)=k(p+q)=kp+kq=\varphi(p)+\varphi(q)$.
Why are you able to assume it is addition?

4. ## Re: Q\to Q by q\to kq

Originally Posted by dwsmith
Why are you able to assume it is addition?
Because it isn't an automorphism otherwise, as you have already shown...

5. ## Re: Q\to Q by q\to kq

Originally Posted by dwsmith
Why are you able to assume it is addition?

Because $(\Mathbb{Q}, +)$ is a group while $(\mathbb{Q}, \cdot)$ is not.

6. ## Re: Q\to Q by q\to kq

in dwsmith's defense, it is bad form to speak of "the group Q". a group is not merely a set, but a set and a binary operation. failure to specify the intended binary operation requires an unwarranted amount of mysticism on the student's part.