Proving G=HK: A Finite Group Theorem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that for subgroups H and K of a finite group G with coprime indices, G can be expressed as the product of these subgroups, denoted as G=HK. The key theorem utilized states that if the indices |G:H| and |G:K| are finite and coprime, then |G:H ∩ K| equals the product of the indices |G:H|*|G:K|. The participants clarify that if H and K intersect trivially (H ∩ K = 1), then the order of G is the product of the orders of H and K, leading to |G|=pq, where p and q are the respective indices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of finite group theory
  • Familiarity with subgroup indices and their properties
  • Knowledge of the concept of coprime integers
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical notation and proofs
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of subgroup indices in finite groups
  • Explore the implications of the product of subgroup orders in group theory
  • Learn about the structure of finite groups and their subgroup lattices
  • Investigate examples of finite groups and their subgroup interactions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and researchers in abstract algebra, particularly those studying group theory, as well as educators seeking to clarify the concepts of subgroup indices and coprime relationships in finite groups.

happyg1
Messages
304
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Let H and K be subgroups of a finite group G with coprime indices. Prove that G=HK

Homework Equations



From a theorem we have, If |G:H| and |G:K| are finite and coprime, we have:
|G:H intersect K|=|G:H|*|G:K|

|G:H| indicates the index of G over H, not the order here...a notational point that hurts my head.

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the thoerem and I got
|G:H intersect K|=|G:H|*|G:K|

but since G and H are of coprime index, (H intersect K=1),
So that I get

|G|=|G:H|*|G:K|

if I let |G:H|=p and |G:K|=q then |G|=pq

That's where I am and I don't think I'm headed in the right direction.

pointers and clarification will be greatly appreciated.
CC
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, if you determine that |G:(HK)| =1 you're golden, right?

BTW:
but since G and H are of coprime index, (H intersect K=1),
Isn't generally true:
G = \mathbb{Z}_{12}
H=\{0,3,6,9\}
K=\{0,2,4,6,8,10\}
then
|G<img src="/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/arghh.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":H" title="Gah! :H" data-shortname=":H" />|=3
and
|G:K|=2
are coprime, but
|G \cap K|\neq 1
and
|G<img src="/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/arghh.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":H" title="Gah! :H" data-shortname=":H" />| \times |G:K| \neq |G|
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
10K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K