Vector Space Structure
Suppose V (Z/pZ)n is an elementary abelian group. Since Z/pZ Fp, the finite field of p elements, we have V = (Z/pZ)n Fpn, hence V can be considered as an n-dimensional vector space over the field Fp. Note that an elementary abelian group does not in general have a distinguished basis: choice of isomorphism V (Z/pZ)n corresponds to a choice of basis.
To the observant reader, it may appear that Fpn has more structure than the group V, in particular that it has scalar multiplication in addition to (vector/group) addition. However, V as an abelian group has a unique Z-module structure where the action of Z corresponds to repeated addition, and this Z-module structure is consistent with the Fp scalar multiplication. That is, c·g = g + g + ... + g (c times) where c in Fp (considered as an integer with 0 ≤ c < p) gives V a natural Fp-module structure.
Read more about this topic: Elementary Abelian Group
Famous quotes containing the words space and/or structure:
“In the United States there is more space where nobody is is than where anybody is.”
—Gertrude Stein (18741946)
“Who says that fictions only and false hair
Become a verse? Is there in truth no beauty?
Is all good structure in a winding stair?
May no lines pass, except they do their duty
Not to a true, but painted chair?”
—George Herbert (15931633)