Math Problem Statement

Let H be a subgroup of a group G with the property that for all a and b in G, aHbH = abH. Prove that H is a normal subgroup of G.

Solution

To prove that HH is a normal subgroup of GG, we need to show that for all gGg \in G, gH=HggH = Hg, which is the definition of a normal subgroup. This can also be written as gHg1=HgHg^{-1} = H for all gGg \in G.

Given Condition

The problem states that for all a,bGa, b \in G, we have: aHbH=abH.aHbH = abH. This means that the product of any two cosets of HH in GG is itself a coset of HH.

Step-by-Step Proof

  1. Show that HH absorbs conjugation: We want to show that gHg1HgHg^{-1} \subseteq H for any gGg \in G, and ultimately gHg1=HgHg^{-1} = H, which implies that HH is normal.

  2. Use the given property: Set a=ga = g and b=g1b = g^{-1} for any gGg \in G. Then, according to the given property: gHg1H=gg1H=eH=H,gH g^{-1} H = gg^{-1} H = eH = H, where ee is the identity element of GG.

  3. Interpret the result: Since gHg1H=HgH g^{-1} H = H, this means that every element of the set gHg1gHg^{-1} multiplied by any element of HH is still in HH. Thus, gHg1gHg^{-1} must be a subset of HH (since HH is closed under multiplication and contains the identity).

  4. Conclude normality: Since gHg1HgHg^{-1} \subseteq H for any gGg \in G, we also have that g1HgHg^{-1}Hg \subseteq H (taking inverses, which are automorphisms in groups). By the subgroup properties and closure, we conclude that gHg1=HgHg^{-1} = H for all gGg \in G.

Therefore, HH is normal in GG, as required.

Conclusion

Since gHg1=HgHg^{-1} = H for all gGg \in G, we conclude that HH is a normal subgroup of GG.

Would you like a deeper exploration of any part of this proof, or do you have further questions on group theory?

Here are some follow-up questions that might interest you:

  1. What are the implications of a subgroup being normal in a group?
  2. How does the coset multiplication property influence the structure of the group?
  3. Can we use similar techniques to identify normal subgroups in nonabelian groups?
  4. How does normality relate to the concept of group homomorphisms?
  5. What are some examples of groups where all subgroups are normal?

Tip: For any subgroup HH of a group GG, the criterion gHg1=HgHg^{-1} = H for all gGg \in G is always a direct method to check if HH is normal.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Group Theory
Subgroups
Normal Subgroups
Cosets

Formulas

gHg^{-1} = H (Normal subgroup condition)

Theorems

Normal Subgroup Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate