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

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    2016
In summary, the internal direct product of $H$ and $K$ is necessary for decomposing a group $G$ into two smaller, simpler groups, allowing for a better understanding of $G$'s structure and properties. Two groups are considered "direct" if their intersection is only the identity element, which is necessary for the internal direct product to be a valid group. The internal direct product is different from the external direct product in that it is a subgroup of the original group and preserves the original identity element. Not all subgroups can be the internal direct product, as certain conditions must be met. The internal direct product can be used in group theory for understanding and classifying groups, proving theorems and properties, and constructing
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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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  • #2
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 $G = HK$.
 

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

Why is the internal direct product of $H$ and $K$ necessary?

The internal direct product of $H$ and $K$ is necessary because it allows for the decomposition of a group $G$ into two smaller, simpler groups $H$ and $K$. This decomposition can provide a better understanding of the structure and properties of $G$.

What does it mean for two groups to be "direct"?

Two groups $H$ and $K$ are considered "direct" if they have no non-trivial elements in common, meaning their intersection is only the identity element. This is necessary for the internal direct product of $H$ and $K$ to be a valid group.

How is the internal direct product of $H$ and $K$ different from the external direct product?

The internal direct product of $H$ and $K$ is a subgroup of the original group $G$, while the external direct product is a new group formed by combining elements from $H$ and $K$. Additionally, the internal direct product preserves the original group's identity element, while the external direct product creates a new identity element.

Can any two subgroups of a group be the internal direct product?

No, not all subgroups of a group can be the internal direct product. For the internal direct product to be valid, the subgroups must satisfy certain conditions such as being "direct" and having a specific intersection and commutativity properties.

How can the internal direct product of $H$ and $K$ be used in group theory?

The internal direct product of $H$ and $K$ can be used in group theory to understand and classify groups based on their subgroups. It can also be used to prove theorems and properties about groups, as well as in the construction of new groups from simpler ones.

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