Exact sequence: Difference between revisions
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In [[mathematics]], particularly in [[abstract algebra]] and [[homological algebra]], an '''exact sequence''' is a sequence of algebraic objects and | {{subpages}} | ||
In [[mathematics]], particularly in [[abstract algebra]] and [[homological algebra]], an '''exact sequence''' is a sequence of algebraic objects and morphisms which is used to describe or analyse algebraic structure. | |||
In general the concept of an exact sequence makes sense when dealing with algebraic structures for which there are the concepts of "objects", "homomorphisms" between objects and of "subobjects" attached to morphisms which play the role of "kernel" and "image". | |||
We shall expound the concept in [[group theory]]: very similar remarks apply to [[module theory]]. | |||
A ''sequence'' will simply be a collection of [[group homomorphism]]s <math>f_i</math> and [[group (mathematics)|group]]s <math>G_i</math> with <math>G_{i-1} \stackrel{f_i}{\rightarrow} G_i</math>, indexed by some subset of the [[integer]]s. A sequence will be termed ''exact at the term'' <math>G_i</math> if there are maps <math>f_{i-1}</math> and <math>f_i</math> to the left and right of the term <math>G_i</math> and the condition that the [[kernel]] of <math>f_i</math> is equal to the [[image]] of <math>f_{i-1}</math> holds. An ''exact sequence'' is one which is exact at every term at which the condition makes sense. | |||
Exactness can be used to unify several concepts in group theory. For example, the assertion that the sequence | |||
:<math>1 \stackrel{i}{\rightarrow} G_1 \stackrel{f}{\rightarrow} G_2 \,</math> | |||
is exact asserts that ''f'' is [[injective function|injective]]. We see this by noting that the only possible map ''i'' from the trivial group has as image the trivial subgroup of <math>G_1</math> consisting of the identity, and the exactness condition is thus that the kernel of <math>f</math> is equal to this trivial subgroup, which is equivalent to the statement that <math>f</math> is injective. | |||
Similarly, the assertion that the sequence | |||
:<math>G_1 \stackrel{f}{\rightarrow} G_2 \stackrel{j}{\rightarrow} 1\,</math> | |||
is exact asserts that ''f'' is [[surjective function|surjective]]. We see this by noting that the only possible map ''j'' to the trivial group has as kernel the whole of <math>G_2</math>, and the exactness condition is thus that the image of <math>f</math> is equal to this group, which is equivalent to the statement that <math>f</math> is surjective. | |||
Combining these, exactness of | |||
:<math>1 \rightarrow G_1 \stackrel{f}{\rightarrow} G_2 \rightarrow 1\,</math> | |||
asserts that <math>f</math> is an [[isomorphism]]. | |||
A '''short exact sequence''' is one of the form | |||
:<math>1 \rightarrow G_1 \stackrel{f_1}{\rightarrow} G_2 \stackrel{f_2}{\rightarrow} G_3 \rightarrow 1 . \,</math> | |||
It expresses the condition that <math>G_3</math> is the quotient of <math>G_2</math> by a [[subgroup]] [[isomorphic]] to <math>G_1</math>: this may be expressed as saying that <math>G_2</math> is an [[extension (group theory)|extension]] of <math>G_3</math> by <math>G_1</math>.[[Category:Suggestion Bot Tag]] |
Latest revision as of 11:01, 14 August 2024
In mathematics, particularly in abstract algebra and homological algebra, an exact sequence is a sequence of algebraic objects and morphisms which is used to describe or analyse algebraic structure.
In general the concept of an exact sequence makes sense when dealing with algebraic structures for which there are the concepts of "objects", "homomorphisms" between objects and of "subobjects" attached to morphisms which play the role of "kernel" and "image".
We shall expound the concept in group theory: very similar remarks apply to module theory.
A sequence will simply be a collection of group homomorphisms and groups with , indexed by some subset of the integers. A sequence will be termed exact at the term if there are maps and to the left and right of the term and the condition that the kernel of is equal to the image of holds. An exact sequence is one which is exact at every term at which the condition makes sense.
Exactness can be used to unify several concepts in group theory. For example, the assertion that the sequence
is exact asserts that f is injective. We see this by noting that the only possible map i from the trivial group has as image the trivial subgroup of consisting of the identity, and the exactness condition is thus that the kernel of is equal to this trivial subgroup, which is equivalent to the statement that is injective.
Similarly, the assertion that the sequence
is exact asserts that f is surjective. We see this by noting that the only possible map j to the trivial group has as kernel the whole of , and the exactness condition is thus that the image of is equal to this group, which is equivalent to the statement that is surjective.
Combining these, exactness of
asserts that is an isomorphism.
A short exact sequence is one of the form
It expresses the condition that is the quotient of by a subgroup isomorphic to : this may be expressed as saying that is an extension of by .