Proving o(An) = o(a) for Finite Abelian Groups | G, N, a | Group Theory Homework

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The discussion centers on proving that for a finite group G with a normal subgroup N and an element a in G, if the intersection of the cyclic subgroup generated by a and N is trivial, then the order of the coset aN in the quotient group G/N equals the order of a in G. The user correctly identifies that aN raised to the order of a results in the identity element of N, confirming that the order of aN divides the order of a. The next step involves demonstrating that the order of a is less than or equal to the order of aN, leveraging the condition that the intersection of the cyclic subgroup generated by a and N is trivial.

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Homework Statement


Let G be a finite group with N , normal subgroup of G, and a, an element in G.
Prove that if (a) intersect N = (e), then o(An) = o(a).


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


(aN)^(o(a)) = a^(o(a)) * N = eN = N, but is the least power such that (aN)^m = N. Assume m must divide o(a).

(aN)^((o(a)) = (aN)^ (mq +r) where 0 <= r < m,
However, ((aN)^m)-q * a(N)^(o(a)) = (a(N)^r)= N = (a(N)^r).
r < m so r= 0 and mq= o(a).
I am not sure how to continue however, am I even going in the right direction?

Thanks!
 
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Justabeginner said:

Homework Statement


Let G be a finite group with N , normal subgroup of G, and a, an element in G.
Prove that if (a) intersect N = (e), then o(An) = o(a).


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


(aN)^(o(a)) = a^(o(a)) * N = eN = N, but is the least power such that (aN)^m = N. Assume m must divide o(a).

(aN)^((o(a)) = (aN)^ (mq +r) where 0 <= r < m,
However, ((aN)^m)-q * a(N)^(o(a)) = (a(N)^r)= N = (a(N)^r).
r < m so r= 0 and mq= o(a).
I am not sure how to continue however, am I even going in the right direction?

Thanks!

Presumably ##(a)## is meant to indicate the cyclic subgroup of ##G## generated by the element ##a##, ##aN## is the left coset ##aN=\{an:n\in N\}## considered as an element of the quotient group ##G/N##, ##o(a)## is order of ##a## as an element of ##G## and ##o(aN)## the order of the element ##aN## in the quotient group ##G/N##.

You've correctly identified that ##aN^{o(a)}=a^{o(a)}N=eN=N## and concluded (I think) that ##o(aN)|o(a)##, or at the very least that ##o(aN)\leq o(a)## (which is all that's really needed).

What remains to be shown is that ##o(a)\leq o(aN)##. This is where you probably want to use the necessary fact that ##(a)\cap N=(e)##.

Hint:
For all ##k##, ##a^k\in aN^k##
 
That made sense and I think I got it. Thank you very much!
 

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