Definition
Let (G,×) be a group and H a subgroup of G, we say H is a normal subgroup[1] of G if:
- ∀x∈G[xH=Hx] where the xH and Hx are left and right cosets
- This is the sameas saying: ∀x∈G[xHx−1=H]
According to Serge Lang[1] this is equivalent (that is say if and only if or ⟺)
- H is the kerel of some homomorphism of G into some other group
Proof of claims
[Expand]
Claim 1: ∀x∈G[xH=Hx]⟺∀x∈G[xHx−1=H]
Proof of: ∀x∈G[xH=Hx]⟹∀x∈G[xHx−1=H]
- Suppose that for whatever g∈G we have that gH=Hg - we wish to show that for any x∈G[xHx−1=H]
- Let x∈G be given.
- Recall that X=Y⟺[X⊆Y∧X⊇Y] so we need to show:
- xHx−1⊆H
- xHx−1⊇H
- Let us show 1:
- Suppose y∈xHx−1 we wish to show ⟹y∈H (that is xHx−1⊆H)
- y∈xHx−1⟹∃h1∈H:y=xh1x−1
- ⟹yx=xh1 - note that xh1∈xH
- By hypothesis, ∀g∈G[gH=Hg]
- So, as yx=xh1∈xH we see yx∈Hx
- This means ∃h2∈H such that yx=h2x
- Using the cancellation laws for groups we see that
- y=h2 as h2∈H we must have y∈H
- We have now shown that [y∈xHx−1⟹y∈H]⟺[xHx−1⊆H]
- Now to show 2:
- Suppose that y∈H we wish to show that ⟹y∈xHx−1 (that is H⊆xHx−1)
- Note that yx∈Hx by definition of Hx
- By hypothesis Hx=xH so
- we see that yx∈xH
- this means ∃h1∈H[yx=xh1]
- and this means y=xh1x−1
- such a h1 existing is the very definition of xh1x−1∈xHx−1
- thus y∈xHx−1
- We have now shown that [y∈H⟹y∈xHx−1]⟹[H⊆xHx−1]
- Combining this we hve shown that ∀x∈G[xH=Hx]⟹∀x∈G[xHx−1=H]
Next:
Proof of: ∀x∈G[xHx−1=H]⟹∀x∈G[xH=Hx]
TODO: Simple proof
References
- ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 Undergraduate Algebra - Serge Lang