# Normal subgroups

## Main Question or Discussion Point

Let G be a group and H a subgroup of G. We define the following:

$$N_{G}(H) = \{g \in G \,\,|\,\, g^{-1}hg \in H,\, for\, all\,\, h\in H\}$$

Show that $$N_{G}(H)$$ is a subgroup of G.

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I've shown that for all $x,\, y$ of $N_{G}(H)$, $xy$ is an element of $N_{G}(H)$, but how do I show that $x^{-1}$ is an element of $N_{G}(H)$ ?

H is a subgroup, hence H has inverses so for the element x in H, and the element g-1hg consider the element g-1x-1g which is in NG(H) since x-1 is in H.

HallsofIvy
Homework Helper
I think d leet mean "and the element g-1xg".

What is the product (g-1xg)(g-1x-1g)?

It's the identity.

But, aren't we supposed to show that (g-1)-1x(g-1) = gxg-1 is in H?

It's the identity.

But, aren't we supposed to show that (g-1)-1x(g-1) = gxg-1 is in H?
yup that's right, think about what halls just said though and it answers your question, you know (g^-1xg)(g^-1x^-1g) = e. This tells you what?

yup that's right, think about what halls just said though and it answers your question, you know (g^-1xg)(g^-1x^-1g) = e. This tells you what?
It tells me the inverse of g-1xg is g-1x-1g (which must also be contained in H), but how does that show that g-1 is in NG(H)? (i.e. do all elements of NG(H) have inverses?).

HallsofIvy