Group Actions and Normal Subgroups

In summary, the formula g(xH) = gxH defines an action of G on X. For H to be a normal subgroup of G, every orbit of the induced action of H on X must contain just one point. This means that for all h in H, the formula h(xH) = Hx holds true, which implies that xihxH belongs to H for all x in G and h in H.
  • #1
Kalinka35
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Homework Statement


Let H be a subgroup of G and let X be the set of left cosets of H in G.
Show that the formula g(xH) = gxH is an action of G on X.
Prove that H is a normal subgroup of G if and only if every orbit of the induced action of H on X contains just one point.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I've shown that the formula defines an action.
For the second part, since H is normal its left and right cosets are equivalent. Thus we consider h(xH) for h in H. So h(xH) = hxH = Hhx. But since h is in H this is the same as Hx. So for all h, the orbit contains only the point Hx.
However, the converse of the second part is what is giving me trouble. We know that each orbit contains only one element, but I'm not sure what else we can can from that.
 
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  • #2
H is a subgroup, so it includes e. For all h, h(xH)=e(xH)=xH. Left-multiplying by xi (x inverse) on both sides gives xihxH=H, so xihx belongs to H (for all x in G and h in H).
 

FAQ: Group Actions and Normal Subgroups

1. What is a group action?

A group action is a mathematical concept that describes the interaction between a group and a set. It is a mapping that assigns each element of the group to a specific element of the set, and it follows certain rules such as being associative and having an identity element.

2. What is a normal subgroup?

A normal subgroup is a subset of a group that is invariant under conjugation by elements of the group. This means that if an element g is in the subgroup and h is in the group, then hgh^-1 is also in the subgroup. Normal subgroups are important in the study of group theory because they can be used to define quotient groups.

3. How do you determine if a subgroup is normal?

To determine if a subgroup is normal, you can use the definition of a normal subgroup which states that for every element g in the group and every element h in the subgroup, ghg^-1 is also in the subgroup. Alternatively, you can use the subgroup criterion, which states that if the subgroup is equal to the intersection of all the conjugates of the subgroup, then it is normal.

4. What is the significance of normal subgroups?

Normal subgroups have several important applications in group theory. They are used to define quotient groups, which are essential in the study of group isomorphisms. Normal subgroups also play a role in the classification of finite simple groups, and they are closely related to the concept of normalizers in group theory.

5. Can a group have more than one normal subgroup?

Yes, a group can have multiple normal subgroups. In fact, every group has at least two normal subgroups - the trivial subgroup (containing just the identity element) and the group itself. These are known as the trivial and improper normal subgroups, respectively. However, not all groups have non-trivial normal subgroups, such as the cyclic group of prime order.

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