Orbits of a normal subgroup of a finite group

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a finite group G acting transitively on a set X, with a focus on a normal subgroup H of G. The task is to demonstrate that the orbits of the induced action of H on X all have the same size.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the Orbit-Stabilizer theorem and the properties of normal subgroups. There are attempts to connect the sizes of the orbits induced by H on X, with references to the uniqueness of products in cosets and the relationship between different orbits.

Discussion Status

Some participants have expressed understanding of the relationship between the orbits and the normal subgroup, with one confirming their reasoning about the sizes of the orbits. However, there is no explicit consensus on the overall resolution of the problem, as further clarification or confirmation is sought.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the normality of H and the transitive action of G, which may influence their reasoning and the assumptions they are questioning.

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Homework Statement


If G is a finite group which acts transitively on X, and if H is a normal subgroup of G, show that the orbits of the induced action of H on X all have the same size.

The Attempt at a Solution


By the Orbit-Stabilizer theorem the size of the orbit induced by H on X is a divisor of H. This could certainly help... And H is normal, therefore H is the stabilizer of the action of conjugation. Plus the fact that points in the same orbit have conjugate stabilizers... I don't know how to put the elements together... Can anyone hint me?
 
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You really don't need anything fancy here. If x is an element of X then the orbit under H is Hx. If y is another element of X then there is a g in G such that y=gx (since G is transitive). So the orbit of y, Hy=Hgx. Now use that H is normal.
 
I think I see it now... Hy=Hgx=gHg-1gx=gHx, a left coset of Hx, which has the same size as Hx, since each product of g with a member of Hx is unique and together all these products fill out gHx. The number of products is exactly as big as the size of Hx. Therefore gHx and Hx have the same size.

Correct? Thanks (again!) for your help!
 
3029298 said:
I think I see it now... Hy=Hgx=gHg-1gx=gHx, a left coset of Hx, which has the same size as Hx, since each product of g with a member of Hx is unique and together all these products fill out gHx. The number of products is exactly as big as the size of Hx. Therefore gHx and Hx have the same size.

Correct? Thanks (again!) for your help!

Sure. That's correct. Not so hard, was it?
 
no :)
 

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