MATH 323 - Algebra I

Bilkent University 2022-2023 Fall

Homework 1

The homework is due by Tuesday, October 31 at 15:30.

1: (5 pts) Let G be a group and let x, y ∈ G be two elements with the property that xy = yx.
Suppose that x and y have orders m and n respectively, and that gcd(m, n) = 1. Show that xy has
order mn.

2: (5 pts) Let G be a group and let H and K be subgroups such that K 6 H 6 G. Suppose that
both [G : H] and [H : K] are finite. Let

G/H = {ai H | i = 1, · · · , r} and H/K = {bj K | j = 1, · · · , s}

be the collections of distinct left cosets of H in G and K in H, respectively. Show that

G/K = {(ai bj )K | i = 1, · · · , r; j = 1, · · · , s}

is the collection of distinct left cosets of K in G. Conclude that [G : K] is finite and that

[G : K] = [G : H] · [H : K] .