Math Problem Statement

Let G be a group and X ⊂ G a subset ( not necessarily a subgroup ) of G . Let H be the intersection of all subgroups of G that contain X . Show that H is a subgroup of G . It is called the subgroup of G generated by the subset X .

Solution

To show that HH is a subgroup of GG, we will use the definition of HH and apply the subgroup criteria. The set HH is defined as the intersection of all subgroups of GG that contain XX. We need to demonstrate that HH satisfies the subgroup properties.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Definition of HH:

Let H=αHαH = \bigcap_{\alpha} H_\alpha, where each HαH_\alpha is a subgroup of GG that contains XX. In other words, HH consists of all elements of GG that are in every subgroup HαH_\alpha containing XX.

2. Subgroup Criterion:

To show that HH is a subgroup of GG, we need to verify that it satisfies the following three conditions:

  1. HH is non-empty.
  2. HH is closed under the group operation.
  3. HH is closed under taking inverses.

3. Non-emptiness:

Since GG is a group, it contains the identity element ee. Every subgroup of GG must contain ee, because the identity is a required element of any group. Hence, each HαH_\alpha contains ee, so eHe \in H. Therefore, HH is non-empty because it contains at least the identity element ee.

4. Closed under the group operation:

Let a,bHa, b \in H. By the definition of HH, this means that a,bHαa, b \in H_\alpha for every subgroup HαH_\alpha containing XX. Since each HαH_\alpha is a subgroup, and subgroups are closed under the group operation, abHαab \in H_\alpha for every HαH_\alpha. Therefore, abHab \in H. Thus, HH is closed under the group operation.

5. Closed under taking inverses:

Let aHa \in H. By the definition of HH, aHαa \in H_\alpha for every subgroup HαH_\alpha containing XX. Since each HαH_\alpha is a subgroup, and subgroups are closed under taking inverses, a1Hαa^{-1} \in H_\alpha for every HαH_\alpha. Therefore, a1Ha^{-1} \in H. Thus, HH is closed under taking inverses.

Conclusion:

Since HH is non-empty, closed under the group operation, and closed under taking inverses, HH satisfies the subgroup criteria. Therefore, HH is a subgroup of GG.

This subgroup HH is called the subgroup of GG generated by the subset XX because it is the smallest subgroup of GG containing XX.


Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How does the subgroup generated by XX relate to the concept of a normal subgroup?
  2. Can the subgroup generated by XX be equal to GG? Under what conditions?
  3. If XX is already a subgroup, how does HH change?
  4. How can you describe the subgroup generated by multiple elements?
  5. What is the free group generated by a set, and how does it relate to this subgroup?

Tip: Remember that any subgroup must always contain the identity element, inverses, and be closed under the group operation. This is crucial when determining subgroups.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Group Theory
Subgroups
Intersection of Subgroups

Formulas

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Theorems

Subgroup Criterion

Suitable Grade Level

University Level (Abstract Algebra)