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How is the generated-subgroup definition rewritten in additive notation?

In additive notation, for a group HH with operation ++ and an element y∈Hy \in H, the subgroup generated by yy is the smallest subgroup of HH containing yy. It consists of all integer multiples of yy, written as ⟨y⟩={…,−3y,−2y,−y,0,y,2y,3y,… }\langle y \rangle = \{\dots, -3y, -2y, -y, 0, y, 2y, 3y, \dots\}.

Conditions

  • HH is a group with operation ++.
  • y∈Hy \in H.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Start with the element yy.
  2. Include the additive inverse −y-y.
  3. Include the identity element 00.
  4. Add all positive multiples 2y,3y,…2y, 3y, \dots due to closure.
  5. Add all negative multiples −2y,−3y,…-2y, -3y, \dots due to closure.
  6. The resulting set is ⟨y⟩={…,−3y,−2y,−y,0,y,2y,3y,… }\langle y \rangle = \{\dots, -3y, -2y, -y, 0, y, 2y, 3y, \dots\}.
  7. This set is the smallest subgroup of HH containing yy.

Example

The video states: "Group generated by y = smallest subgroup of H containing y" and displays "⟨y⟩ = {..., -3y, -2y, -y, 0, y, 2y, 3y, ...}".

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking that additive generation only includes positive multiples.
  • Assuming that ⟨y⟩\langle y \rangle is always the whole group HH.

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