Let G be a group and let m and n be relatively prime positive integers. Show that, if the functions f:G→G, f(x)=xm+1, and g:G→G, g(x)=xn+1, are both surjective endomorphisms, then G is commutative. Liviu Vlaicu
Solution
Since f is a morphism, (xy)m+1=xm+1ym+1, so (yx)m=xmym for all x and all y in G. Further, ym+1xm+1=(yx)m+1=(yx)m(yx)=(xmym)(yx)=xmym+1x, so ym+1xm=xmym+1. Since f is surjective, the latter shows that xm is in the center of G. Similarly, xn is in the center of G. Finally, since m is coprime to n, it follows that every element of G is in the center, so G is commutative.
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