Normal group contained in the center.

In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of verifying a write-up on group theory and seeking tips for more efficient methods. The conversation also mentions the Orbit-Stabilizer Theorem and its application in proving that a normal subgroup of order p in a group of order p^n is in the center of the group. The solution involves constructing a group action and using the Orbit-Stabilizer Theorem to show that all elements of the subgroup are in the center of the group.
  • #1
Barre
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I am doing exercises from Hungerford's text 'Algebra', and would appreciate if someone took the time to verify my write-up for me, and possibly provide me with tips how this could be done more efficiently (using less mathematical machinery)

Homework Statement



If a normal subgroup N of order p ( p prime) is contained in a group G of order [itex]p^n[/itex], then N is in the center of G.

Homework Equations


Orbit-Stabilizer Theorem: http://www.proofwiki.org/wiki/Orbit-Stabilizer_Theorem

The Attempt at a Solution


I construct the group action [itex]f: G \times H \rightarrow H[/itex] by this following rule: [itex]f((g,h)) = ghg^{-1}[/itex]. This is well-defined by normality of H of course.
By Orbit-Stabilizer Theorem I know that the size of orbit of any [itex]h \in H[/itex] must have cardinality dividing [itex]|G| = p^n[/itex]. So cardinality of orbits is 1 or p (since anything bigger
would imply more elements in an orbit than there are in H) and H is the disjoint union of orbits of it's elements, so all orbits cardinalities add up to p. But we see that the orbit of the identity in H must be of size 1 (itself), since for any [itex]g \in G[/itex] , [itex]geg^{-1} = e[/itex]. This means we have p-1 other elements in orbits, but orbit cardinalities have to divide p, so they are all of size 1.
This means that for any [itex] h \in H[/itex] and all [itex] g \in G[/itex] we have [itex] ghg^{-1} = h[/itex], so all elements of H are in the center of G.
 
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  • #2
That's very nicely written. And the Orbit-Stabilizer Theorem is about the only piece of machinery you used. I can't think how you would do it more simply.
 

FAQ: Normal group contained in the center.

What is a normal group contained in the center?

A normal group contained in the center is a subgroup of a larger group that is contained within the center of the larger group. This means that every element of the subgroup commutes with every element of the larger group.

How is a normal group contained in the center different from a regular normal group?

A normal group contained in the center is a special kind of normal group where the subgroup is contained within the center of the larger group. In a regular normal group, the subgroup does not necessarily have to be contained within the center.

3. What are the properties of a normal group contained in the center?

A normal group contained in the center has the properties of being both a normal subgroup and a central subgroup. This means that it is invariant under conjugation and that all of its elements commute with all elements of the larger group.

4. How can a normal group contained in the center be used in group theory?

A normal group contained in the center is useful in group theory for studying the structure of a larger group. It can help identify important properties and relationships within the group and can be used to prove theorems and solve problems.

5. Can a normal group contained in the center be a trivial subgroup?

Yes, a normal group contained in the center can be a trivial subgroup, meaning it only contains the identity element. However, it can also be a non-trivial subgroup and still satisfy the properties of being normal and contained in the center.

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