Chapter 14: Problem 6
Let \(G\) denote a group, and \(H\) a subgroup of \(G\). Prove the following: Let \(S\) be the union of all the cosets \(\mathrm{Ha}\) such that \(H a=a H\). Then \(S\) is a normal subgroup of \(G\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The set \( S \) is a normal subgroup of \( G \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Normal Subgroups
A subgroup \( S \) of \( G \) is called normal if for every element \( g \) of \( G \) and for every element \( s \) of \( S \), the element \( gsg^{-1} \) is also in \( S \). This means that the left cosets and right cosets of \( S \) in \( G \) are identical.
02
Define the Set \(S\)
The set \( S \) is defined as the union of all cosets \( Ha \) of \( H \) for which \( Ha = aH \). This means \( S = \bigcup \{ Ha \mid Ha = aH \} \). Since these cosets are identical from both sides, we know that each coset \( Ha \) is a group in itself.
03
Verify Closure under Group Operation
To show \( S \) is a subgroup, we must show closure under group operation. Take any \( x, y \in S \). Then \( x \in Ha \) and \( y \in Hb \) for such cosets. Their product \( xy \in Hab = H(ab) \). Since \( (ab)H = H(ab) \) due to the nature of the union set \( S \), \( xy \) is in \( S \).
04
Check for Inverses
For any element \( s \in S \), if \( s \in Ha \), then \( s^{-1} \) must also be in \( a^{-1}H = Ha^{-1} = a^{-1}H \) because \( Ha = aH \) implies \( H^{-1}a^{-1} = a^{-1}H\). Thus, \( s^{-1} \in S \).
05
Show Normality
To show \( S \) is normal, take any \( g \in G \) and \( s \in S \). We need to show \( gsg^{-1} \in S \). Since \( s \in Ha \), \( gsg^{-1} \in gHa g^{-1} = g(ah)g^{-1} = gahg^{-1} \). If \( Ha = aH \), we have \( gabg^{-1}a^{-1} = e \) shows the cosets don't affect \( H \). Hence \( Ha \) remains invariant.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Group Theory
Group Theory is the study of algebraic structures known as groups. A group, denoted by a set, is combined with an operation that satisfies four essential properties: closure, associativity, identity, and invertibility. To have a comprehensive understanding of groups:
- Closure: For any two elements in the group, the result of their operation must also be in the group.
- Associativity: For any three elements in the group, the order of the operation does not matter. Mathematically, \((a \cdot b) \cdot c = a \cdot (b \cdot c)\) for any elements \(a, b, c\) in the group.
- Identity Element: There must be an element in the group that does not change other elements when operated with them. Usually denoted as \(e\), it satisfies \(a \cdot e = a\) for any element \(a\).
- Inverse Element: For each element in the group, there must exist another element, known as its inverse, such that when both are operated, they yield the identity element, \(a \cdot a^{-1} = e\).
Cosets
Cosets arise when investigating subgroups within a group. If you have a subgroup \(H\) of a group \(G\) and an element \(a\) from \(G\), you can form the left coset \(Ha\) and the right coset \(aH\).
- Left Coset \(Ha\): This is formed by taking each element \(h\) in the subgroup \(H\) and using the operation of the group to combine it with \(a\). So, \(Ha = \{ha \, | \, h \in H\}\).
- Right Coset \(aH\): Similarly, \(aH = \{ah \, | \, h \in H\}\).
Closure Property
The closure property is crucial in proving that a set is a subgroup. To demonstrate a set \(S\), which is the union of cosets, as a subgroup, you must establish that it is closed under the group operation. Here are the steps:
- Understand \(S\): \(S\) is compiled from all elements of \(G\) for which the left and right cosets are identical—\(Ha = aH\).
- Select Elements: Choose any two elements \(x, y\) from \(S\). Because they belong to \(S\), each can be written as belonging to specific cosets \(Ha\) and \(Hb\).
- Combine Elements: Their product, \(xy\), needs to remain in a coset of the form \(Hab\), which satisfies the condition that this resulting coset is part of \(S\) through \((ab)H = H(ab)\).
Inverses in Groups
In group structures, every element must have an inverse. This is also necessary for proving a subgroup. For the set \(S\), which is the union of specific cosets, verifying the existence of inverses is essential.
- Existence of Inverses: For an element \(s\) in \(S\), we need its inverse \(s^{-1}\) to also be part of \(S\).
- Finding Inverses: If \(s\) is in a coset \(Ha\), then \(s^{-1}\) will be in \(Ha^{-1}\). This follows from the property \(Ha = aH\), leading to conjugate identities like \(H^{-1}a^{-1} = a^{-1}H\).
- Verification: Through this relationship, since \(Ha\) is equal to \(aH\), the inverse \(s^{-1}\) fits back into the set \(S\), confirming the subgroup property.