( G, *) is an abelian group. Then

2018

( G, *) is an abelian group. Then

  1. A.

    x = x -1, for any x belonging to G

  2. B.

    x = x2, for any x belonging to G

  3. C.

    (x * y )2 = x2 * y2, for any x, y belonging to G

  4. D.

    G is of finite order

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Correct answer: C

In an abelian group (G, *), the operation is commutative, meaning x * y = y * x for all x, y in G. Therefore, (x * y)^2 = (x * y) * (x * y) = x * (y * x) * y. By commutativity, y * x = x * y, so this becomes x * (x * y) * y = (x * x) * (y * y) = x^2 * y^2. This property holds for all elements in an abelian group.

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