MHB Is $p$ a prime divisor of $\phi(n)$ if $G$ has an element of order $n$?

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The discussion revolves around proving that if a noncyclic finite group \( G \) of order \( pn \) has an element of order \( n \), then \( p \) must be a prime divisor of \( \phi(n) \). The problem emphasizes the condition that \( p! \) is coprime to \( n \), which is crucial for the proof. An earlier version of the problem did not specify that \( G \) is noncyclic, but this assumption was later added for clarity. The thread includes a solution to the problem, highlighting the importance of group structure in relation to number theory. The conclusion reinforces the relationship between group elements and the properties of the Euler totient function.
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $G$ be a noncyclic finite group of order $pn$ where $p$ is a prime such that $p!$ is coprime to $n$. Prove that if $G$ has an element of order $n$, then $p$ is a prime divisor of $\phi(n)$.

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The problem statement originally excluded the assumption that $G$ is noncyclic. The edit has been made. You can read my solution below.

Suppose $x\in G$ has order $n$. Let $G$ act on the set of left cosets of $\langle x\rangle$ by left multiplication. The permutation representation afforded by this action is a group homomorphism $G \to S_p$ whose kernel is $K = \cap_{g\in G} g\langle x\rangle g^{-1}$. By the first isomorphism theorem $(G : K)$ divides $|S_p| = p!$. Note $\langle x\rangle \supset K$ whence $|K| | n$ by Lagrange's theorem. So since $|G| = pn$ we have $\frac{n}{|K|} | \frac{p!}{p}$. Now $\frac{p!}{p}$ is coprime to $\frac{n}{|K|}$ since $p!$ is coprime to $n$; therefore $\frac{n}{|K|} = 1$, or $|K| = n$. Consequently $\langle x \rangle = K$ is normal in $G$.

By Cauchy's theorem, $G$ has an element $y$ of order $p$. Note $\langle y\rangle$ acts faithfully on $\langle x \rangle$ by conjugation. For if $\langle y\rangle$ acts trivially on $\langle x\rangle$, then $yxy^{-1}= x$, making $\langle x\rangle \cap \langle y \rangle = 1$. Then $G$ would be isomorphic $\langle x\rangle \times \langle y \rangle$, which is cyclic of order $pn$, contradicting the assumption on $G$ is noncyclic. So the action is nontrivial, which must be faithful since $\langle y\rangle$ has prime order. From the faithful representation $\langle y \rangle \to \operatorname{Aut}(\langle x\rangle) \cong \mathbb Z_n^\times$ we deduce $p | \phi(n)$, by the first isomorphism theorem.
 

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