Maximal subgroups of solvable groups have prime power index

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that if H is a maximal proper subgroup of a finite solvable group G, then the index [G:H] is a prime power. The proof utilizes Lemma 7.13, which states that every minimal normal subgroup of a finite solvable group is elementary abelian. The argument is structured around the properties of nonabelian solvable groups, leveraging the Second Isomorphism Theorem and induction to establish the result. The proof also applies to abelian groups, reinforcing the generality of the conclusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of finite solvable groups
  • Familiarity with maximal subgroups and their properties
  • Knowledge of the Second Isomorphism Theorem
  • Concept of minimal normal subgroups and their significance
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Lemma 7.13 in various group contexts
  • Explore the structure of finite solvable groups in detail
  • Investigate the role of normal subgroups in group theory
  • Learn about the applications of the Second Isomorphism Theorem in proofs
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Mathematicians, particularly those specializing in group theory, educators teaching advanced algebra, and students preparing for examinations in abstract algebra will benefit from this discussion.

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I would like to ask if somebody can verify the solution I wrote up to an exercise in my book. It's kind of long, but I have no one else to check it for me :)

Homework Statement


If H is a maximal proper subgroup of a finite solvable group G, then [G<img src="/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/arghh.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":H" title="Gah! :H" data-shortname=":H" />] is a prime power.

Homework Equations


Lemma 7.13 that I refer to is basically this:
http://crazyproject.wordpress.com/2...-finite-solvable-group-is-elementary-abelian/

The Attempt at a Solution

Statement is true for abelian groups, so only nonabelian solvable groups are considered in the proof. All finite nonabelian solvable groups have at least one normal group (the commutator) and therefore contain a minimal normal subgroup. By Lemma 7.13 (iii), these subgroups have prime power order.
Assume there exists minimal normal subgroup N such that N \not\subseteq H. Since NH is a subgroup of G properly containing H, NH = G. By Second Isomorphism Theorem, G/N = HN/N \cong H/(N \cap H) and as all cardinalities are finite, \frac{|G|}{|N|} = \frac{|H|}{|N \cap H|} which implies \frac{|G|}{|H|} = [G<img src="/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/arghh.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":H" title="Gah! :H" data-shortname=":H" />] = \frac{|N|}{|N \cap H|}, where the last one is a prime power.
Assume all minimal normal subgroups of G are contained in H and let N be one such. We work by induction. If |G| = 2, then it is of prime order and the maximal proper subgroup \langle e \rangle has index 2, certainly a prime power. In the quotient G/N, H/N is maximal since if H/N is properly contained in some subgroup T/N then it follows that H \subseteq T, so T = G. Since order |G/N| is strictly less than |G|, [G/N<img src="/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/arghh.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":H" title="Gah! :H" data-shortname=":H" />/N] = \frac{[G/N]}{[H/N]} = \frac{[G:N]}{[H:N]} = p^n by induction. Also the identity [G<img src="/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/arghh.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":H" title="Gah! :H" data-shortname=":H" />][H:N] = [G:N] implies [G<img src="/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/arghh.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":H" title="Gah! :H" data-shortname=":H" />] = \frac{[G:N]}{[H:N]} so [G<img src="/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/arghh.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":H" title="Gah! :H" data-shortname=":H" />] = p^n.
 
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Seems ok.

I also note that your proof also works in the abelian case, so there is no need to only look at nonabelian groups.
 
micromass said:
Seems ok.

I also note that your proof also works in the abelian case, so there is no need to only look at nonabelian groups.

Thanks for reading it and for the tip. An abelian group certainly has a normal minimal subgroup as long as it is not simple, and that is probably the case I could have handled separately.
 

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