Definition:Epimorphism (Abstract Algebra)
This page is about Epimorphism in the context of Abstract Algebra. For other uses, see Epimorphism.
Definition
A homomorphism which is a surjection is described as epic, or called an epimorphism.
Semigroup Epimorphism
Let $\struct {S, \circ}$ and $\struct {T, *}$ be semigroups.
Let $\phi: S \to T$ be a (semigroup) homomorphism.
Then $\phi$ is a semigroup epimorphism if and only if $\phi$ is a surjection.
Group Epimorphism
Let $\struct {G, \circ}$ and $\struct {H, *}$ be groups.
Let $\phi: G \to H$ be a (group) homomorphism.
Then $\phi$ is a group epimorphism if and only if $\phi$ is a surjection.
Ring Epimorphism
Let $\struct {R, +, \circ}$ and $\struct {S, \oplus, *}$ be rings.
Let $\phi: R \to S$ be a (ring) homomorphism.
Then $\phi$ is a ring epimorphism if and only if $\phi$ is a surjection.
Field Epimorphism
Let $\struct {F, +, \circ}$ and $\struct {K, \oplus, *}$ be fields.
Let $\phi: R \to S$ be a (field) homomorphism.
Then $\phi$ is a field epimorphism if and only if $\phi$ is a surjection.
$R$-Algebraic Structure Epimorphism
Let $\struct {S, \ast_1, \ast_2, \ldots, \ast_n, \circ}_R$ and $\struct {T, \odot_1, \odot_2, \ldots, \odot_n, \otimes}_R$ be $R$-algebraic structures.
Then $\phi: S \to T$ is an $R$-algebraic structure epimorphism if and only if:
- $(1): \quad \phi$ is a surjection
- $(2): \quad \forall k: k \in \closedint 1 n: \forall x, y \in S: \map \phi {x \ast_k y} = \map \phi x \odot_k \map \phi y$
- $(3): \quad \forall x \in S: \forall \lambda \in R: \map \phi {\lambda \circ x} = \lambda \otimes \map \phi x$
This definition also applies to modules, and also to vector spaces.
Also see
- Definition:Homomorphism (Abstract Algebra)
- Definition:Monomorphism (Abstract Algebra)
- Definition:Isomorphism (Abstract Algebra)
Linguistic Note
The word epimorphism comes from the Greek morphe (μορφή) meaning form or structure, with the prefix epi- meaning onto.
Thus epimorphism means onto (similar) structure.
Sources
- 1965: Seth Warner: Modern Algebra ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {II}$: New Structures from Old: $\S 12$: Homomorphisms
- 1972: A.G. Howson: A Handbook of Terms used in Algebra and Analysis ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 7$: Homomorphisms and quotient algebras
- 1989: Ephraim J. Borowski and Jonathan M. Borwein: Dictionary of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): epimorphism