Let us first consider the case when $G$ is a non-abelian group.
Then there exist elements $g, h\in G$ such that $gh\neq hg$.
Consider the map $\phi: G \to G$ defined by sending $x\in G$ to $gxg^{-1}$.
Then it is straightforward to check that $\phi$ is a group homomorphism and its inverse is given by the conjugation by $g^{-1}$.
Hence $\phi$ is an automorphism.
If $\phi=1$, then we have $h=\phi(h)=ghg^{-1}$, and this implies that $gh=hg$.
This contradicts our choice of $g$ and $h$.
Hence $\phi$ is a non-trivial automorphism of $G$.
Case When $G$ is an Abelian Group
Next consider the case when $G$ is a finite abelian group of order greater than $2$.
Since $G$ is an abelian group the map $\psi:G\to G$ given by $x \mapsto x^{-1}$ is an isomorphism, hence an automorphism.
If $\psi$ is a trivial automorphism, then we have $x=\psi(x)=x^{-1}$.
Thus, $x^2=e$, where $e$ is the identity element of $G$.
Sub-Case When $G$ has an Element of Order $\geq 3$.
Therefore, if $G$ has at least one element of order greater than $2$, then $\psi$ is a non-trivial automorphism.
Sub-Case When Elements of $G$ has order $\leq 2$.
It remains to consider the case when $G$ is a finite abelian group such that $x^2=e$ for all elements $x\in G$.
In this case, the group $G$ is isomorphic to
\[\Zmod{2}\times \Zmod{2}\times \cdots \Zmod{2}=(\Zmod{2})^n.\]
Since $|G| > 2$, we have $n>1$.
Then the map $(\Zmod{2})^n\to (\Zmod{2})^n$ defined by exchanging the first two entries
\[(x_1, x_2, x_3, \dots, x_n) \mapsto (x_2, x_1, x_3, \dots, x_n)\]
is an example of nontrivial automorphism of $G$.
Therefore, in any case, the group $G$ has a nontrivial automorphism.
A Subgroup of Index a Prime $p$ of a Group of Order $p^n$ is Normal
Let $G$ be a finite group of order $p^n$, where $p$ is a prime number and $n$ is a positive integer.
Suppose that $H$ is a subgroup of $G$ with index $[G:P]=p$.
Then prove that $H$ is a normal subgroup of $G$.
(Michigan State University, Abstract Algebra Qualifying […]
Isomorphism Criterion of Semidirect Product of Groups
Let $A$, $B$ be groups. Let $\phi:B \to \Aut(A)$ be a group homomorphism.
The semidirect product $A \rtimes_{\phi} B$ with respect to $\phi$ is a group whose underlying set is $A \times B$ with group operation
\[(a_1, b_1)\cdot (a_2, b_2)=(a_1\phi(b_1)(a_2), b_1b_2),\]
where $a_i […]
If Squares of Elements in a Group Lie in a Subgroup, then It is a Normal Subgroup
Let $H$ be a subgroup of a group $G$.
Suppose that for each element $x\in G$, we have $x^2\in H$.
Then prove that $H$ is a normal subgroup of $G$.
(Purdue University, Abstract Algebra Qualifying Exam)
Proof.
To show that $H$ is a normal subgroup of […]
Abelian Normal subgroup, Quotient Group, and Automorphism Group
Let $G$ be a finite group and let $N$ be a normal abelian subgroup of $G$.
Let $\Aut(N)$ be the group of automorphisms of $G$.
Suppose that the orders of groups $G/N$ and $\Aut(N)$ are relatively prime.
Then prove that $N$ is contained in the center of […]
Non-Abelian Group of Order $pq$ and its Sylow Subgroups
Let $G$ be a non-abelian group of order $pq$, where $p, q$ are prime numbers satisfying $q \equiv 1 \pmod p$.
Prove that a $q$-Sylow subgroup of $G$ is normal and the number of $p$-Sylow subgroups are $q$.
Hint.
Use Sylow's theorem. To review Sylow's theorem, check […]
The Order of $ab$ and $ba$ in a Group are the Same
Let $G$ be a finite group. Let $a, b$ be elements of $G$.
Prove that the order of $ab$ is equal to the order of $ba$.
(Of course do not assume that $G$ is an abelian group.)
Proof.
Let $n$ and $m$ be the order of $ab$ and $ba$, respectively. That is,
\[(ab)^n=e, […]
Order of Product of Two Elements in a Group
Let $G$ be a group. Let $a$ and $b$ be elements of $G$.
If the order of $a, b$ are $m, n$ respectively, then is it true that the order of the product $ab$ divides $mn$? If so give a proof. If not, give a counterexample.
Proof.
We claim that it is not true. As a […]