DISCRETE GROUP Meaning and
Definition
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A discrete group, in mathematics, refers to a special kind of group that is characterized by having no accumulation points. A group is a set equipped with a binary operation that satisfies certain criteria, including closure, associativity, identity element, and inverses. However, a discrete group possesses an additional property: its elements are isolated from each other.
In more detail, a group G is considered discrete if for every element g in G, there exists a neighborhood around g that does not contain any other elements of G. This means that there are no limit points within G, and each element can be isolated and distinguished from the others. Discrete groups are commonly encountered in various branches of mathematics, especially in algebra, topology, and geometry.
Discrete groups have important applications and implications both in theory and practice. They play a crucial role in the study of symmetry, where their properties can be analyzed using tools such as group actions, representations, and quotient spaces. Discrete groups also emerge in the context of transformation groups, as well as in the exploration of manifolds, tessellations, and crystallography.
Overall, a discrete group is a mathematical object that possesses a unique and distinct nature, with its elements being separate and independent, forming a foundation for many mathematical investigations and frameworks.
Etymology of DISCRETE GROUP
The word "discrete" comes from the Latin word "discretus", which means "separate, distinct". It is derived from the verb "discernere", meaning "to separate, distinguish".
The term "discrete group" is used in mathematics to describe a type of group that has a finite number of elements, where the elements can be counted and are distinct from each other. The adjective "discrete" is used to emphasize the separation and distinctness of the elements within the group.
