Is Any Subgroup of a Finite Group with Smallest Prime Order Divisor Normal?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proof that any subgroup of a finite group \( G \) with the smallest prime divisor \( p \) of its order, and having an index of \( p \), is normal. This conclusion is established through group theory principles, specifically leveraging the properties of Sylow subgroups. Participants Olinguito and castor28 provided correct solutions, demonstrating the application of these theoretical concepts in finite group analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of finite group theory
  • Familiarity with Sylow theorems
  • Knowledge of subgroup properties
  • Basic concepts of group index
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Sylow theorems in detail
  • Explore the concept of normal subgroups in finite groups
  • Research examples of finite groups with specific prime orders
  • Learn about group actions and their implications on subgroup normality
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, particularly those specializing in group theory, educators teaching abstract algebra, and students preparing for advanced mathematics competitions will benefit from this discussion.

Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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If $p$ is the smallest prime divisor of the order of a finite group $G$, prove that any subgroup of $G$ of index $p$ is normal.

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This week's problem was solved correctly by Olinguito and castor28. You can read castor28's solution below.
Let $G$ be a finite group, and $H$ a subgroup of $G$ with $(G:H)=p$, where $p$ is the smallest prime divisor of $|G|$.

The action of $G$ by left multiplication on the cosets of $H$ defines a homomorphism $\varphi:G\to S_p$ where $S_p$ is the symmetric group on $p$ points. Let $K=\ker\varphi$.

If $g\in K$, then $gH=H$; this shows that $K\subset H$. The image of $\varphi$ has order:
$$
(G:K) = (G:H)(H:K) = p(H:K)
$$
This image is a subgroup of $S_p$, which has order $p!$. This shows that $p(H:K)$ divides $p!$, and $(H:K)$ divides $(p-1)!$.

Now, $(H:K) \mid (G:K) \mid |G|$. As the smallest prime divisor of $|G|$ is $p$ and all the prime divisors of $(p-1)!$ are smaller than $p$, we conclude that $(H:K)=1$ and $K=H$. As $K$ is normal in $G$ as the kernel of a homomorphism, this shows that $H\lhd G$.
 

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