Subgroup of Finite Index Contains a Normal Subgroup of Finite Index
Problem 232
Let $G$ be a group and let $H$ be a subgroup of finite index. Then show that there exists a normal subgroup $N$ of $G$ such that $N$ is of finite index in $G$ and $N\subset H$.
The group $G$ acts on the set of left cosets $G/H$ by left multiplication.
Hence it induces the permutation representation $\rho: G \to S_n$, where $n=|G:H|$.
(Note that a permutation representation is a group homomorphism.)
Let $N=\ker \rho$ be the kernel of the homomorphism $\rho$. Then $N \triangleleft G$.
By the first isomorphism theorem, the quotient group $G/N$ is isomorphic to a subgroup of $S_n$. In particular, $G/N$ is a finite group, hence the index $[G:N]$ is finite.
Finally, we show that $N \subset H$.
For any $x \in N=\ker \rho$, we have $x(gH)=gH$ for any $g \in G$.
In particular we have $xH=H$, hence $x \in H$.
A Subgroup of the Smallest Prime Divisor Index of a Group is Normal
Let $G$ be a finite group of order $n$ and suppose that $p$ is the smallest prime number dividing $n$.
Then prove that any subgroup of index $p$ is a normal subgroup of $G$.
Hint.
Consider the action of the group $G$ on the left cosets $G/H$ by left […]
Group of $p$-Power Roots of 1 is Isomorphic to a Proper Quotient of Itself
Let $p$ be a prime number. Let
\[G=\{z\in \C \mid z^{p^n}=1\} \]
be the group of $p$-power roots of $1$ in $\C$.
Show that the map $\Psi:G\to G$ mapping $z$ to $z^p$ is a surjective homomorphism.
Also deduce from this that $G$ is isomorphic to a proper quotient of $G$ […]
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 […]
A Group Homomorphism is Injective if and only if Monic
Let $f:G\to G'$ be a group homomorphism. We say that $f$ is monic whenever we have $fg_1=fg_2$, where $g_1:K\to G$ and $g_2:K \to G$ are group homomorphisms for some group $K$, we have $g_1=g_2$.
Then prove that a group homomorphism $f: G \to G'$ is injective if and only if it is […]
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 […]
Every Group of Order 24 Has a Normal Subgroup of Order 4 or 8
Prove that every group of order $24$ has a normal subgroup of order $4$ or $8$.
Proof.
Let $G$ be a group of order $24$.
Note that $24=2^3\cdot 3$.
Let $P$ be a Sylow $2$-subgroup of $G$. Then $|P|=8$.
Consider the action of the group $G$ on […]
Nontrivial Action of a Simple Group on a Finite Set
Let $G$ be a simple group and let $X$ be a finite set.
Suppose $G$ acts nontrivially on $X$. That is, there exist $g\in G$ and $x \in X$ such that $g\cdot x \neq x$.
Then show that $G$ is a finite group and the order of $G$ divides $|X|!$.
Proof.
Since $G$ acts on $X$, it […]
Group Homomorphisms From Group of Order 21 to Group of Order 49
Let $G$ be a finite group of order $21$ and let $K$ be a finite group of order $49$.
Suppose that $G$ does not have a normal subgroup of order $3$.
Then determine all group homomorphisms from $G$ to $K$.
Proof.
Let $e$ be the identity element of the group […]