Trivial subgroup is normal

From Groupprops

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 .