# Math Help - Surjective homomorphism on roots of unity

1. ## Surjective homomorphism on roots of unity

Let $G = \{ z \in \mathbb{C} |z^n = 1 \text{ for some n } \in \mathbb{Z} ^+ \}$. Prove that for any fixed integer k > 1 the map from G to itself defined by $z \mapsto z^k$ is a surjective homomorphism but is not injective.
So let
$\phi _k : G \to G : g \mapsto g^k$.

Proving the homomorphism is trivial. It's the surjection part that's getting to me. (I haven't tackled the injection yet. Please leave that out of the replies for now.) What I am looking at is the following...I want to show that there is at least one pair of x, y in G such that $x^k = y^k$ is true when x is not equal to y. My other question about this is do we need to find an x, y for each k? For example, $(-1)^k = (1)^k$ is only true for even k.

I'm just not wrapping this one around in my head today.

Thanks!
-Dan

2. ## Re: Surjective homomorphism on roots of unity

Originally Posted by topsquark
So let
$\phi _k : G \to G : g \mapsto g^k$.

Proving the homomorphism is trivial. It's the surjection part that's getting to me. (I haven't tackled the injection yet. Please leave that out of the replies for now.) What I am looking at is the following...I want to show that there is at least one pair of x, y in G such that $x^k = y^k$ is true when x is not equal to y.
No, you don't! That would be showing this is a NOT an injection. It would not be showing this is a surjection. To show this is a surjection you need to show that if z is a complex number such that $z^n= 1$ for some n then there exist a complex number w such that $w^n= 1$ such that w^k= z for this specific z.

My other question about this is do we need to find an x, y for each k? For example, $(-1)^k = (1)^k$ is only true for even k.
For z= -1, take w= -1.

I'm just not wrapping this one around in my head today.

Thanks!
-Dan

3. ## Re: Surjective homomorphism on roots of unity

1. Surjective: if $z^n=1$ then $z=e^{2mi\pi/n}$ for some $m$ with $0\leq m. Can't you find $w$ with $w^{kn}=1$ and $w^k=z$?

2. Injective: Think about the kernel of the homomorphism.

4. ## Re: Surjective homomorphism on roots of unity

Sorry I didn't get back sooner. I just finished the problem, both surjective and injective. I appreciate the help.

-Dan