Understanding SU(N) Representations and Subgroups

[RedX]

The fundamental representation of SU(N) has a basic form that allows you to deduce that there is a SU(N-1) subgroup. For example, in SU(3), the generators T_{1}, T_{2}, T_{3} form an SU(2) subgroup.

I'm reading a book right now that goes into the adjoint representation of SU(N) to show that SU(N) has subgroups SU(N_1), SU(N_2), SU(N_3), ... U(1), where N_1+N_2+N_3+...=N. For example, SU(5) has subgroups SU(3), SU(2), and U(1).

My question is that since SU(N-1) is already subgroup, doesn't N_1=N-1, forcing N_2=1, and the rest of the N's zero?

Also, for U(1) to be a subgroup, you have to find a linear combination of generators (call it the generator T_0) such that the new structure constant has a zero whenever one of its indices is 0? If the structure constant changes, isn't this a new group, and not a subgroup?

And why are the subgroups of SU(5) combined into the direct product group: SU(3)xSU(2)xU(1)?

 

[PRB147]

My question is that since SU(N-1) is already subgroup, doesn't N_1=N-1 , forcing N_2=1 , and the rest of the N's zero?

Seems that there is no SU(1) group.

 

[confinement]

Seems that there is no SU(1) group.

Actually SU(1) = SO(1) is the trivial group, i.e. it has a faithful representation consisting of the number 1 under multiplication.

To the OP, maybe it would help if you state the theorem in the book i.e. I cannot tell whether it is a necessary or sufficient condition.