Finite non-nilpotent and every proper subgroup is nilpotent implies not simple

From Groupprops

Statement

Suppose is a finite group that is not a nilpotent group, but every proper subgroup of is a nilpotent group (and in particular, a finite nilpotent group). Then, cannot be a simple group.

Facts used

  1. Nilpotent implies normalizer condition: In a nilpotent group, every proper subgroup is properly contained in its normalizer.
  2. Finite and any two maximal subgroups intersect trivially implies not simple non-abelian

Proof

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Given: A finite non-nilpotent group such that every proper subgroup of is nilpotent.

To prove: is not simple.

Proof: We assume that is simple, and derive a contradiction. Let be the number of elements of .

Step no. Assertion/construction Facts used Given data used Previous steps used Explanation
1 The intersection of any two maximal subgroups of is contained in an intersection of two maximal subgroups that is a normal subgroup of . Fact (1) Every proper subgroup of is nilpotent.
is finite
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2 Any two maximal subgroups of intersect trivially. is simple Step (1) [SHOW MORE]
3 We have the desired contradiction. Fact (2) is simple non-nilpotent, hence simple non-abelian Step (2) Follows directly from Fact (2).