Why must $G$ be the internal direct product of $H$ and $K$?

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    2016
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the necessity for group $G$ to be the internal direct product of subgroups $H$ and $K$ when both have finite indices that are relatively prime. This conclusion is derived from the properties of group theory, specifically the criteria for direct products in the context of finite index subgroups. The finite index condition ensures that the intersection of $H$ and $K$ is trivial, leading to the conclusion that every element of $G$ can be uniquely expressed as a product of elements from $H$ and $K$.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of group theory, particularly the concepts of subgroups and direct products.
  • Familiarity with finite index subgroups and their properties.
  • Knowledge of the concept of relatively prime integers in the context of group indices.
  • Basic grasp of the structure of groups and their elements.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of finite index subgroups in group theory.
  • Learn about the criteria for internal direct products in groups.
  • Explore examples of groups with relatively prime indices and their implications.
  • Investigate the implications of trivial intersections in subgroup structures.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, particularly those specializing in group theory, educators teaching abstract algebra, and students preparing for advanced topics in algebraic structures.

Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $G$ be a group with finite index subgroups $H$ and $K$. Suppose $H$ and $K$ have relatively prime indices in $G$. Why must $G$ be the internal direct product of $H$ and $K$?

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No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
Since $(G : H)(H:H\cap K) = (G: H\cap K)= (G : K)(K:H\cap K)$ and $(G : H)$ is relatively prime to $(G : K)$, then $(G : H)$ divides $(K : H\cap K)$. Therefore, $(G : H) \le (K : H\cap K)$. On the other hand, the mapping $(H\cap K)k \overset{f}{\mapsto} kH$ from the right cosets of $H\cap K$ in $K$ to the right cosets of $H$ in $G$ is injective. Indeed, if $Hk = Hk'$, then $k(k')^{-1} = h$ for some $h\in H$. Since $K$ is a subgroup of $G$, then the equation $k(k')^{-1} = h$ implies $h\in K$ as well. So since $k = hk'$ and $h\in H\cap K$, then $(H\cap K)k = (H\cap K)k$. Thus, $(K : H\cap K) \le (G : H)$. Consequently, $(G : H) = (K : H\cap K)$ the mapping $f$ is surjective. Given $g\in G$, there exists a $k\in K$ such that $f(k) = Hg$, i.e., $(H\cap K)k = Hg$. Thus $xk = hg$ for some $x\in H\cap K$ and $h\in H$. Now $g = h^{-1}xk\in HK$ since $h^{-1}x\in H$ and $k\in K$. Since $g$ was arbitrary, we must have $G = HK$.
 

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