KAIMOSI FRIENDS UNIVERSITY

ON CONDITIONS THAT ENSURES THE NORMALIZER OF

RELATIVELY CONVEX SUBGROUP IS RELATIVELY CONVEX

JANE ACHIENG OCHIENG REG NO. SMT/1420/2020

ERICK WANYAMA OCHIENG REG NO. SMT/1097/2021
WILBERFOCE ANNAN SICHANGI REG NO. SMT/1089/2021

A Research Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Undergraduate Degree in Pure Mathematics. of Kaimosi Friends
University

2024
 DECLARATION
This research proposal is my original work prepared with no other than the indicated
source and support and has not been presented elsewhere for a degree or any other
award

Signature......................... Date................
JANE ACHIENG OCHIENG
SMT/1420/2020

Signature......................... Date................
ERICK WANYAMA OCHIENG
SMT/1097/2021

Signature......................... Date................
WILBERFOCE ANNAN SICHANGI
SMT/1089/2021

APPROVAL
The undersigned certify that they have read and hereby recommend for acceptance of
Kaimosi Friends University a research proposal entitled “ ON CONDITIONS THAT
ENSURES THE NORMALIZER OF RELATIVELY CONVEX SUBGROUP IS REL-
ATIVELY CONVEX ”.

Signature......................... Date................
Dr. Amos Wanjara
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Kaimosi Friends University.

ii
 ABSTRACT
A number of mathematicians have studied the concept of ensuring the normalizer
of a relatively convex subgroup is relatively convex however little is known about the
behaviour of the normalizer of a convex subgroup and the conditions under which it
remains relatively convex. This has been a motivating factor to study the conditions
ensuring the normalizer of a relatively convex subgroup is relatively convex. The
objectives of the study will be To investigate the conditions that ensure the normalizer
of a relatively subgroup is relatively convex. The method of of this study will include
the use of Algebraic Tools like Conjugacy Classes, Case Study, Mathematical Analysis
and Comparative Analysis. The results to be obtained in this study will be significant
and relevant in cryptography used in encryption protocols and to contribute to the
theoretical framework surrounding relatively hyperbolic groups and their substructures,
providing insights that could inform future research in this area.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

TABLE OF CONTENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Mathematical Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2 Basic concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.3 Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4 Objective of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.4.1 Main Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.4.2 Specific Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5 Significance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Relatively Convex Subgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.2.1 Characterisation of Relatively Convex Subgroup . . . . . . . . . 6

2.2.2 Normalizer in a group theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS 8

3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Mathematical Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3 Case Study of Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3.4 Algebraic Tools and Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3.5 Comparative Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Mathematical Background

The concept of convex and and quasi-convex subgroups was first introduced by Gro-
mov [24].The study helps us in understanding the structure of groups, particularly
in relation to their actions on metric spaces. Birkhoff [21] studied ordered group in

convex group. He partially ordered sets and how groups can carry an order structure
that is preserved under group operations. Bridson and Haefliger [16] explored convex-
ity properties including Convexity in the context of CAT(0) spaces, The relationship

between convexity and the structure of groups, Applications of convexity in under-

standing geodesics and subgroup properties. Everiste Galois introduced the concept
of normalizers which was further expanded by Scott [9] who came up with various as-

pects of group theory, including normalizers and their properties in different contexts,
including topological groups. Capovich and Wise [19] and [20] investigated normal sub-
group, normalizer structures in free groups and relatively hyperbolic groups.Dahman

[22] studied quasi-convex subgroups in relatively hyperbolic groups.His work provides

significant insights into the interplay between geometric group theory and algebraic

properties of these groups.

Presently, research in geometric group theory and topological groups investigates how
convexity interacts with algebraic structures.

However these researchers fails to answer the questions about the behaviour of normal-
izer in various settings e.g lattices, ordered fields.
Therefore we aim at coming up with the solutions to conditions ensuring that the

normalizer of a relatively convex subgroup is relatively convex.

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1.2 Basic concept

Definition 1.0 [[14]Definion 21.1]A group is formally defined as a nonempty set G

equipped with a binary operation * that satisfies the following properties:

1. Closure: For all a, b ∈ G, the result of the operation a ∗ b is also in G.

2. Associativity: For all a, b, c ∈ G, the equation (a ∗ b) ∗ c = a ∗ (b ∗ c)

3. Identity Element: There exists an element e ∈ G such that for every element a ∈
G, the equations e ∗ a = a and a ∗ e = a

4. Inverse Element: For every element a ∈ G, there exists an element a−1 ∈ G

such that a ∗ a−1 = e and a−1 ∗ a = e, where e is the identity element.

Definition 1.2 [[13]] Definition: The normalizer of a subgroup H in a group G is

the set of all elements in G that stabilize H under conjugation. Given a subset H of a
group G, its normalizer N (H) = NG (H) is the subgroup of G consisting of all elements
g ∈ G such that gH = Hg, i.e., for each h ∈ H, there exists h′ ∈ H such that gh = h′ g

and satsfy the following properties

Identity Element:
e ∈ NG (H) (where e is the identity element of G)

Since eHe−1 = H, it follows that e ∈ NG (H).

Closure:

For any g1 , g2 ∈ NG (H):

g1 Hg1−1 = H and g2 Hg2−1 = H.
We need to show that g1 g2 ∈ NG (H):

g1 g2 H(g1 g2 )−1 = g1 g2 Hg2−1 g1−1 = g1 Hg1−1 = H.

Thus, g1 g2 ∈ NG (H).

Inverses:
For any g ∈ NG (H):

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gHg −1 = H.
We need to show that g −1 ∈ NG (H):

g −1 Hg = g −1 (gHg −1 )g = g −1 Hg = H.
Thus, g −1 ∈ NG (H).

Since all three criteria are satisfied, we conclude that NG (H) is a subgroup of G:
NG (H) is a subgroup of G.

Definition 1.3 [[21]] Is a subgroup of an ordered group that maintains the prop-
erty of convexity i.e If H is also closed in the topology of G, then H is a relatively

convex subgroup (closure property) and If H is relatively convex, then for any g ∈ G,
the translation gH = gh : h ∈ H is also relatively convex in G (iclusion).In Birkhoff [?]
A subgroup H of a topological group G is to be convex if for every point g ∈ G and

every point h ∈ H the set of points g.h ∈ H is relatively convex in G

Definition 1.4 [[24]] If H is a relatively convex subgroup ,its normalizer NG (H) can

maintain the convexity property under the action G. Specifically for any g ∈ NG (H)
and any x, y ∈ H g(x) and g(y) will also form a line segment that lies in.
Definition 1.5 [[12] Definition 1.2:] Let K be a subset of a vector space V . The

set K is said to be convex if, for any points u, v ∈ K and for all t ∈ [0, 1], the point
tu + (1 − t)v is also in K.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

The study on conditions ensuring normalizer of a relatively convex subgroup has been
an interesting area of research over years. Many researchers have attempted to study
these normalizers especially their properties and characterisation. However, several

studies have been left unsolved and has raised a concern. For instance Dahmani [22]
raised problem on the specific conditions that ensure the normalizer of a relatively
convex subgroup is relatively convex.

3
 However, conditions that ensure the normalizer of a relatively convex subgroup is
relatively convex is the limited scope of the study. This research focus on specific

types of groups or subgroups. The generalisation of the findings to other settings, the
conditions studied may not cover all the possible scenarios in which the normalizer of
a relatively convex leading to gaps in the understanding of their phenomena. We seek

to identify the general conditions that ensure the normalizer in a given group

1.4 Objective of the Study

1.4.1 Main Objective

To investigate the conditions that ensure the normalizer of a relatively subgroup is

relatively convex

1.4.2 Specific Objective

The specific objectives of the study will be:

(i) To define and analyse the concept of relative convexity in the context of group
theory.

(ii) To identify and describe the properties of the normalizer of a subgroup in a group.

(iii) To explore the relationship between the invariant sets of a relatively convex sub-

group and its normalizer.

(iv) To apply the theory of relatively convex subgroups to problems in geometric

group theory

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study will be significant and useful in the following areas;

Mathematics -Group theory deepens our understanding of algebraic structures like

groups, subgroups and symmetries. The study of convexity theory is critical in areas
like Lie groups and functional analysis.

4
Classification of structures helps identify conditions where normalizers maintain con-
vexity providing new tools for proving theorems in Mathematics

Information Technology -Its relevant in cryptography used in encryption protocols.

Economy -Group theory has enhanced decision making models leading to better mech-
anisms for ensuring stable solution.

Communication -Group theory plays a key role in error correcting codes ensuring
reliable data transmission.
In communication network convexity could improve protocols by identifying efficient

network path.
Engineering -Engineering system often rely on group theoretic methods to ensure
stability and symmetry in control algorithms.

In robotic, motion planning often involves navigating through convex spaces.

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter lies at the intersection of group theory, convex geometry and algebraic
structures.

2.2 Relatively Convex Subgroup

Kokorin & Kopytov [15] introduced the concept of relatively convex subgroups on
ordered groups. The research focused on identifying subgroups that maintain certain

convexity properties. The following propeties were established.

2.2.1 Characterisation of Relatively Convex Subgroup

Theorem 2.0 [4](Theorem 10.1)The intersection of two convex subgroups is
convex.

: Let a, b ∈ H1 ∩ H2 , where H1 and H2 are convex.

Then, for any x such that a ≤ x ≤ b, x is in both H1 and H2 , hence in their intersection.
Thus, H1 ∩ H2 is convex.

Theorem 2.1 [3] (Theorem 8.5): Every convex subgroup of a linearly ordered
group is a union of intervals.

Each integer n corresponds to the interval [n, n + 1). The union of all such intervals is

convex, confirming the theorem.

Theorem 2.2 [6](Theorem 7.3): Convex subgroups are closed under multi-
plication and inversion in ordered groups.

If a, b ∈ H, then ab is positive, and if a−1 exists, it is also positive. Therefore, H

remains convex under these operations.

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2.2.2 Normalizer in a group theory

Evariste Galois laid the groundwork for group theory and concepts of normality. William

Burnside contributed significantly to the understanding of group actions and normal-

izers and they established the following rsults.

Theorem 2.3[5] (Theorem 7.3): The normalizer NG (H) is a subgroup of G..

ˆ Closure: If g1 , g2 ∈ NG (H), then g1 Hg1−1 = H and g2 Hg2−1 = H. Hence,

g1 g2 Hg2−1 g1−1 = g1 Hg1−1 = H,

so g1 g2 ∈ NG (H).

ˆ Identity: The identity e ∈ G satisfies

eHe−1 = H.

ˆ Inverses: If g ∈ NG (H), then g −1 Hg = H implies g −1 ∈ NG (H.

Therefore, NG (H) is a subgroup.

Theorem 2.4[2] (Theorem 3.1): If H is a finite subgroup of G, then NG (H)

is also finite and contains H

Since H is finite, the normalizer, being a subgroup, must also be finite. Thus, H ⊆

NG (H).

Theorem 2.4[23] (Theorem 4.4:) If H is a normal subgroup of G, then

NG (H) = G

Since H is normal, for every g ∈ G, gHg −1 = H. Thus, every element of G normalizes

H, so NG (H) = G.

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 CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODS

3.1 Introduction

For a successfull completion of this research, the following method will be involved;
the use of Mathematical Analysis, Case Study of Group, Comparative Analysis and
Algebraic Tools and Software

3.2 Mathematical Analysis

Mathematical analysis is rigorously for solving problems, focuses on the formal proofs

which will be developed to derive conditions on normalizers.

3.3 Case Study of Groups

it involves examining one or more groups to gain a deeper understanding of the group
processes which will be used to test the derived conditions.

3.4 Algebraic Tools and Software

we will use group theory software like Groups Algorithms Programmings software(GAP)
and mathematical sotfware like MATLAB for computational verification and to verify

theoritical findings on specific group examples.

3.5 Comparative Analysis

It will be used in comparing the results with known theorem in convexity theory to

generalise the applicability of our findings

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