# Proving that a subgroup is normal.

1. Mar 9, 2013

### Artusartos

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

How can we prove that a subgroup H of $Gl_2(Z_3)$ is normal?

These are the elements of H:

$$\begin{pmatrix}1&1\\1&2 \end{pmatrix}$$

$$\begin{pmatrix}1&2\\2&2 \end{pmatrix}$$

$$\begin{pmatrix}2&1\\1&1 \end{pmatrix}$$

$$\begin{pmatrix}2&2\\2&1 \end{pmatrix}$$

$$\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}$$

$$\begin{pmatrix} -1 & 0 \\0 & -1 \end{pmatrix}$$

$$\begin{pmatrix} 0 & 2 \\1& 0 \end{pmatrix}$$

$$\begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\2 & 0 \end{pmatrix}$$

So the determinant of the elements is 1 and the trace is zero...and H additionally contains the identity element and the -identity element.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I don't think I can find the left and right cosets and show that they are equal, because there are too many elements in $Gl_2(Z_3)$. There is a theorem in our textbook that states,

Let H be a subgroup of G. Then H is normal in G if and only if there is a group structure on the set G/H of left cosets of H with the property that the canonical map π : G → G/H is a homomorphism. If H is normal in G, then the group structure on G/H which makes π a homomorphism is unique: we must have gH · gH = ggH for all g, g ∈ G. Moreover, the kernel of π : G → G/H is H. Thus, a subgroup of G is normal if and only if it is the kernel of a homomorphism out of G.

So I'm trying to use this and show that $f: Gl_2(Z_3) \rightarrow Gl_2(Z_3)/H$ is a homomorphism...but I'm stuck...

We know that $f(a)f(b)=aHbH$ and that $f(ab)=abH$. But how can we show that aHbH=abH? Can anybody please give me a hint?

2. Mar 9, 2013

### jbunniii

All the elements of $H$ have determinant $1$, so H is a subgroup of $SL_2(Z_3)$. How many subgroups of order 8 does $SL_2(Z_3)$ have?

3. Mar 10, 2013

### Artusartos

Thanks, but I didn't read about $SL_2(Z_3)$ yet.

4. Mar 10, 2013

### jbunniii

$SL_2(Z_3)$ is the subgroup of $GL_2(Z_3)$ consisting of the matrices with determinant 1. What I have in mind is to try the following argument: (1) $H$ is characteristic in $SL_2(Z_3)$; (2) $SL_2(Z_3)$ is normal in $GL_2(Z_3)$; (3) therefore...?

In order to make that argument, you need to know the orders of $GL_2(Z_3)$ and $SL_2(Z_3)$. Can you calculate these?

Last edited: Mar 10, 2013
5. Mar 11, 2013

### Artusartos

Alright, thanks