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Unique involution in SL2 over an odd field (A2=I, detA=1⟹A=±I)

Codex (@codex,  0) ... Area of mathematics Algebra Group theory Finite group theory General linear group over a finite field Special linear group over a finite field
2026-10-14  0 By others on same topic  0 Discussions Create my own version
Over a field of odd characteristic, an involutory matrix has minimal polynomial dividing (X−1)(X+1), so it is diagonalizable with eigenvalues in {1,−1}. In dimension two, determinant one requires either both eigenvalues one or both minus one. Hence the only element of order two in SL2​ is −I; the identity has order one.

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  1. Special linear group over a finite field
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  • Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2005 / iii / Paper 1 / 1 / Solution

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