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
- Nilpotent implies normalizer condition: In a nilpotent group, every proper subgroup is properly contained in its normalizer.
- 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 |
|
[SHOW MORE]Start with  , an intersection of two maximal subgroups of  . Suppose  and  are maximal subgroups of  such that  is maximal among all intersections of two maximal subgroups that contain  , i.e., it is not properly contained in any other intersection of two maximal subgroups of  . Such a maximal intersection exists by the finiteness of  . Consider the subgroup  . This contains strictly (by Fact (1) and the fact that  is nilpotent on account of being proper in  ) and is contained in  . However, it is not contained in any maximal subgroup of  other than  by the maximality assumption on  . Similarly,  is not contained in any maximal subgroup of  other than  . Thus,  , which contains both  and  , is not contained in any maximal subgroup of  . Because of the finiteness of  , it must be the whole group  . Thus,  is normal in  .
|
| 2 |
Any two maximal subgroups of intersect trivially. |
|
is simple |
Step (1) |
[SHOW MORE]By Step (1), the intersection is contained in an intersection of two maximal subgroups wherein the latter intersection is normal. Moreover, the latter intersection is also a proper subgroup. Since  is simple, the latter intersection must be the trivial subgroup, and therefore the original intersection must also be the trivial subgroup.
|
| 3 |
We have the desired contradiction. |
Fact (2) |
is simple non-nilpotent, hence simple non-abelian |
Step (2) |
Follows directly from Fact (2).
|