MHB What is the significance of a group with no proper subgroups?

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    2015
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A group with no proper subgroups must be either the trivial group or a simple group. The trivial group contains only the identity element, while a simple group has no normal subgroups other than itself and the trivial group. The discussion emphasizes the implications of these characteristics on the structure and classification of groups in group theory. Participants also explore proofs and examples to illustrate these concepts. Understanding groups without proper subgroups is crucial for deeper insights into group theory.
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Suppose $G$ is a group with no proper subgroups. What can be said about $G?$ Prove your statements.

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Congratulations to johng for his correct solution to this week's POTW, which follows:

$G$ is finite and cyclic of order 1 or cyclic of order a prime.
Let $E=\langle 1\rangle$ be the identity subgroup of $G$ and suppose $G\neq E$. Let $x\in G$ with $x\neq 1$. Then $\langle x\rangle=G$ and $x$ has finite order, for otherwise $\langle x^2\rangle$ is a proper subgroup of $G$. Suppose $x$ has order $n$ with $n$ composite, say $n=mq$. Then $\langle x^m\rangle$ has order $q$ and so would be a proper subgroup of $G$. Hence $n$ is prime. Thus $G=\langle x\rangle$ is cyclic of prime order $n$.
 

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