Is $H_n(X)$ Torsion Free if $H_{n-1}(X)$ is Torsion Free?

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  • Thread starter Euge
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  • #1
Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Suppose $X$ is a closed connected orientable manifold of dimension $2n$. Prove that if the homology group $H_{n-1}(X)$ is torsion free, then $H_n(X)$ is also torsion free.

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  • #2
Here is a hint: Consider using Poincaré duality and the universal coefficients theorem.
 
  • #3
No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.

By Poincaré duality and the universal coefficients theorem, it follows that
$$H_n(X) \approx H^n(X) \approx H_n(X)^{\text{free}} \oplus H_{n-1}(X)^{\text{torsion}}$$
Since $H_{n-1}(X)$ is torsion-free, then $H_{n-1}(X)^{\text{torsion}} = 0$. Therefore $H_n(X) \approx H_n(X)^{\text{free}}$, showing that $H_n(X)$ is also torsion-free.
 

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