Trivial subgroup is normal
This article gives the statement, and possibly proof, of a subgroup property (i.e., normal subgroup) satisfying a subgroup metaproperty (i.e., trivially true subgroup property)
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Statement
Let be any group. The trivial subgroup of , which is the one-element subgroup comprising the identity element, is a normal subgroup of .
Related facts
Proof
Conjugation definition of normality
Given: A group with identity element . An element .
To prove: .
Proof: We have , completing the proof. Further information: manipulating equations in groups
Kernel of homomorphism definition of normality
Given: A group with identity element .
To prove: There exists a homomorphism for some group such that the kernel of is precisely the subgroup .
Proof: Take to be the identity map (i.e., for all ). This clearly satisfies the conditions for a homomorphism: , , and .
The kernel of is defined as the set of elements that map to . But since this is the identity map, the set is precisely , completing the proof.
Coset definition of normality
Given: A group with identity element .
To prove: For any , .
Proof: Both are clearly the same as the singleton set , because .
Union of conjugacy classes definition of normality
Given: A group with identity element
To prove: is a union of conjugacy classes.
Proof: In fact, is a single conjugacy class, because for any , .
Commutator definition of normality
Given: A group , with identity element .
To prove: If , then is contained in .
Proof: is the subgroup generated by elements of the form , where . But . Thus, all elements of the form equal , so the subgroup generated is equal to .