Supersolvable Groups

Supersolvable Groups

Teresinha Gouvêa Vanderlei Lopes Wesley

Quaresma

UFMG

November/2019

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 1 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Introduction

A supersolvable group is a group “composed" of cyclic

groups, which means that the group has a normal chain
with cyclic factors.
We are going to show some properties of supersolvable
groups and their relation with the class of nilpotent
groups. As an example, we have the following relations
between groups:

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 2 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Introduction

A supersolvable group is a group “composed" of cyclic

groups, which means that the group has a normal chain
with cyclic factors.
We are going to show some properties of supersolvable
groups and their relation with the class of nilpotent
groups. As an example, we have the following relations
between groups:

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 2 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 3 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Definition

A group G is called supersolvable if it possesses a finite

normal series G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ ... ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1, in
which each factor group Gi /Gi+1 is cyclic,
∀ 1 ≤ i ≤ n.
Example
G := (1, 2, 3, 4), (1, 3) ∼
= D4 is supersolvable

Consider G1 = (1, 2, 3, 4) and G2 = (1, 3)(2, 4) ,

then G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ G2 ≥ G3 = 1 is a normal chain
with cyclic factors, which means that D4 is
supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 4 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Definition

A group G is called supersolvable if it possesses a finite

normal series G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ ... ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1, in
which each factor group Gi /Gi+1 is cyclic,
∀ 1 ≤ i ≤ n.
Example
G := (1, 2, 3, 4), (1, 3) ∼
= D4 is supersolvable

Consider G1 = (1, 2, 3, 4) and G2 = (1, 3)(2, 4) ,

then G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ G2 ≥ G3 = 1 is a normal chain
with cyclic factors, which means that D4 is
supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 4 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Definition

A group G is called supersolvable if it possesses a finite

normal series G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ ... ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1, in
which each factor group Gi /Gi+1 is cyclic,
∀ 1 ≤ i ≤ n.
Example
G := (1, 2, 3, 4), (1, 3) ∼
= D4 is supersolvable

Consider G1 = (1, 2, 3, 4) and G2 = (1, 3)(2, 4) ,

then G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ G2 ≥ G3 = 1 is a normal chain
with cyclic factors, which means that D4 is
supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 4 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Example

Example
S3 = (1, 2, 3), (1, 2) is supersolvable.

We can check that S3 ≥ A3 ≥ 1 is a supersolvable series,

then S3 is supersolvable.
Example
Finitely generated abelian groups are supersolvable.

In fact, let G = hg1 , g2 , . . . , gn i be an abelian group and

define Gi = gi , gi+1 , . . . , gn . Since Gi /Gi+1 = gi Gi+1
and Gi E G, ∀ 1 ≤ i ≤ n, we have a normal chain
G = G1 ≥ G2 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn = 1 with cyclic factors. Then G
is supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 5 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Example

Example
S3 = (1, 2, 3), (1, 2) is supersolvable.

We can check that S3 ≥ A3 ≥ 1 is a supersolvable series,

then S3 is supersolvable.
Example
Finitely generated abelian groups are supersolvable.

In fact, let G = hg1 , g2 , . . . , gn i be an abelian group and

define Gi = gi , gi+1 , . . . , gn . Since Gi /Gi+1 = gi Gi+1
and Gi E G, ∀ 1 ≤ i ≤ n, we have a normal chain
G = G1 ≥ G2 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn = 1 with cyclic factors. Then G
is supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 5 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Example

Example
S3 = (1, 2, 3), (1, 2) is supersolvable.

We can check that S3 ≥ A3 ≥ 1 is a supersolvable series,

then S3 is supersolvable.
Example
Finitely generated abelian groups are supersolvable.

In fact, let G = hg1 , g2 , . . . , gn i be an abelian group and

define Gi = gi , gi+1 , . . . , gn . Since Gi /Gi+1 = gi Gi+1
and Gi E G, ∀ 1 ≤ i ≤ n, we have a normal chain
G = G1 ≥ G2 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn = 1 with cyclic factors. Then G
is supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 5 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Example

Example
S3 = (1, 2, 3), (1, 2) is supersolvable.

We can check that S3 ≥ A3 ≥ 1 is a supersolvable series,

then S3 is supersolvable.
Example
Finitely generated abelian groups are supersolvable.

In fact, let G = hg1 , g2 , . . . , gn i be an abelian group and

define Gi = gi , gi+1 , . . . , gn . Since Gi /Gi+1 = gi Gi+1
and Gi E G, ∀ 1 ≤ i ≤ n, we have a normal chain
G = G1 ≥ G2 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn = 1 with cyclic factors. Then G
is supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 5 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Example

Example
A4 is not a supersolvable group.

In fact, K4 is the only normal subgroup of A4 , then it is

not supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 6 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Remark

Notice that supersolvable groups are solvable, since

Gi /Gi+1 is abelian;
Solvability does not imply supersolvability;
For example, S4 has a solvable chain
S4 D A4 D K4 D 1, but it has only these normal
subgroups, A4 and K4 , then it is not supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 7 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Remark

Notice that supersolvable groups are solvable, since

Gi /Gi+1 is abelian;
Solvability does not imply supersolvability;
For example, S4 has a solvable chain
S4 D A4 D K4 D 1, but it has only these normal
subgroups, A4 and K4 , then it is not supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 7 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Remark

Notice that supersolvable groups are solvable, since

Gi /Gi+1 is abelian;
Solvability does not imply supersolvability;
For example, S4 has a solvable chain
S4 D A4 D K4 D 1, but it has only these normal
subgroups, A4 and K4 , then it is not supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 7 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
Supersolvable groups are finitely generated.

Proof.
Let G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 be a
supersolvable series. For each i, take gi ∈ Gi such that
Gi /Gi+1 = gi Gi+1 . If g ∈ G, then g = g0e0 a1 where
a1 ∈ G1 and e0 ∈ Z. Besides that, a1 = g1e1 a2 with a2 ∈ G2 .
Proceeding this reasoning, we can write
g = g0e0 g1e1 · · · gnen an+1 where an+1 ∈ Gn+1 , which means
an+1 = 1. Therefore, g = g0e0 g1e1 · · · gnen then
G = g0 , . . . , gn .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 8 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
Supersolvable groups are finitely generated.

Proof.
Let G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 be a
supersolvable series. For each i, take gi ∈ Gi such that
Gi /Gi+1 = gi Gi+1 . If g ∈ G, then g = g0e0 a1 where
a1 ∈ G1 and e0 ∈ Z. Besides that, a1 = g1e1 a2 with a2 ∈ G2 .
Proceeding this reasoning, we can write
g = g0e0 g1e1 · · · gnen an+1 where an+1 ∈ Gn+1 , which means
an+1 = 1. Therefore, g = g0e0 g1e1 · · · gnen then
G = g0 , . . . , gn .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 8 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
Supersolvable groups are finitely generated.

Proof.
Let G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 be a
supersolvable series. For each i, take gi ∈ Gi such that
Gi /Gi+1 = gi Gi+1 . If g ∈ G, then g = g0e0 a1 where
a1 ∈ G1 and e0 ∈ Z. Besides that, a1 = g1e1 a2 with a2 ∈ G2 .
Proceeding this reasoning, we can write
g = g0e0 g1e1 · · · gnen an+1 where an+1 ∈ Gn+1 , which means
an+1 = 1. Therefore, g = g0e0 g1e1 · · · gnen then
G = g0 , . . . , gn .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 8 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
Supersolvable groups are finitely generated.

Proof.
Let G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 be a
supersolvable series. For each i, take gi ∈ Gi such that
Gi /Gi+1 = gi Gi+1 . If g ∈ G, then g = g0e0 a1 where
a1 ∈ G1 and e0 ∈ Z. Besides that, a1 = g1e1 a2 with a2 ∈ G2 .
Proceeding this reasoning, we can write
g = g0e0 g1e1 · · · gnen an+1 where an+1 ∈ Gn+1 , which means
an+1 = 1. Therefore, g = g0e0 g1e1 · · · gnen then
G = g0 , . . . , gn .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 8 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
Supersolvable groups are finitely generated.

Proof.
Let G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 be a
supersolvable series. For each i, take gi ∈ Gi such that
Gi /Gi+1 = gi Gi+1 . If g ∈ G, then g = g0e0 a1 where
a1 ∈ G1 and e0 ∈ Z. Besides that, a1 = g1e1 a2 with a2 ∈ G2 .
Proceeding this reasoning, we can write
g = g0e0 g1e1 · · · gnen an+1 where an+1 ∈ Gn+1 , which means
an+1 = 1. Therefore, g = g0e0 g1e1 · · · gnen then
G = g0 , . . . , gn .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 8 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Theorem
Suppose H ≤ G, N E G, where G is supersolvable group.
Then H and G/N are supersolvable.

Proof
First, we shall prove that H is supersolvable.
Consider G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 the
supersolvable series of G. Since each Gi E G, defining
Hi = H ∩ Gi we have Hi E H and so we get a normal series
of H:
H = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hn ≥ Hn+1 = 1.
Without loss of generality, we may assume that all the
factors in the chain above are different.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 9 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Theorem
Suppose H ≤ G, N E G, where G is supersolvable group.
Then H and G/N are supersolvable.

Proof
First, we shall prove that H is supersolvable.
Consider G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 the
supersolvable series of G. Since each Gi E G, defining
Hi = H ∩ Gi we have Hi E H and so we get a normal series
of H:
H = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hn ≥ Hn+1 = 1.
Without loss of generality, we may assume that all the
factors in the chain above are different.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 9 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Theorem
Suppose H ≤ G, N E G, where G is supersolvable group.
Then H and G/N are supersolvable.

Proof
First, we shall prove that H is supersolvable.
Consider G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 the
supersolvable series of G. Since each Gi E G, defining
Hi = H ∩ Gi we have Hi E H and so we get a normal series
of H:
H = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hn ≥ Hn+1 = 1.
Without loss of generality, we may assume that all the
factors in the chain above are different.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 9 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Analyzing its factors:





H ∩ Gi / H ∩ Gi+1 = H ∩ Gi / (H ∩ Gi ) ∩ Gi+1
∼


= H ∩ Gi Gi+1 /Gi+1
≤ Gi /Gi+1 .

Since Gi /Gi+1 is cyclic we have, Hi /Hi+1 is cyclic and H is

supersolvable.
Now, we shall prove that G/N is supersolvable. In fact,
since N E G, the subgroups Gi N are normal in G and so
by the Correspondence Theorem we have a normal series of
G/N :

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 10 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Analyzing its factors:





H ∩ Gi / H ∩ Gi+1 = H ∩ Gi / (H ∩ Gi ) ∩ Gi+1
∼


= H ∩ Gi Gi+1 /Gi+1
≤ Gi /Gi+1 .

Since Gi /Gi+1 is cyclic we have, Hi /Hi+1 is cyclic and H is

supersolvable.
Now, we shall prove that G/N is supersolvable. In fact,
since N E G, the subgroups Gi N are normal in G and so
by the Correspondence Theorem we have a normal series of
G/N :

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 10 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.

G/N = G0 N/N ≥ G1 N/N ≥ . . .

≥ Gn N/N ≥ Gn+1 N/N = N/N.

Using the isomorphism theorems:

Gi N/N / Gi+1 N/N ∼

= Gi N/Gi+1 N
= Gi Gi+1 N/Gi+1 N
∼


= Gi / Gi ∩ Gi+1 N


Since Gi / Gi ∩ Gi+1 N ≤ Gi /Gi+1 , then



Gi N/N / Gi+1 N/N is cyclic. Hence G/N is
supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 11 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.

G/N = G0 N/N ≥ G1 N/N ≥ . . .

≥ Gn N/N ≥ Gn+1 N/N = N/N.

Using the isomorphism theorems:

Gi N/N / Gi+1 N/N ∼

= Gi N/Gi+1 N
= Gi Gi+1 N/Gi+1 N
∼


= Gi / Gi ∩ Gi+1 N


Since Gi / Gi ∩ Gi+1 N ≤ Gi /Gi+1 , then



Gi N/N / Gi+1 N/N is cyclic. Hence G/N is
supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 11 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.

G/N = G0 N/N ≥ G1 N/N ≥ . . .

≥ Gn N/N ≥ Gn+1 N/N = N/N.

Using the isomorphism theorems:

Gi N/N / Gi+1 N/N ∼

= Gi N/Gi+1 N
= Gi Gi+1 N/Gi+1 N
∼


= Gi / Gi ∩ Gi+1 N


Since Gi / Gi ∩ Gi+1 N ≤ Gi /Gi+1 , then



Gi N/N / Gi+1 N/N is cyclic. Hence G/N is
supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 11 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Theorem
The following statements are true:
1 A direct product of finitely many supersolvable groups
is supersolvable.
2 If H1 , . . . , Hn are normal subgroups of G and the
groups G/H1 , . . . , G/Hn are supersolvable, then
n
T
G/ Hi is supersolvable.
i=1

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 12 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Let us prove the statement 1. By using induction, it is
enough to show that if G and K are supersolvable then so
is G × K. Consider a supersolvable series
G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 and
K = K0 ≥ K1 ≥ . . . ≥ Km ≥ Km+1 = 1 of G and K,
respectively. We have Gi × 1 = Gi × Km+1 E G × K and
G × Kj = G0 × Kj E G × K. Furthemore,

Gi × 1 / Gi+1 × 1 ∼ = Gi /Gi+1 × 1/1 ∼

= Gi /Gi+1
G × Kj / G × Kj+1 ∼ = G/G × Kj /Kj+1 ∼



= Kj /Kj+1 .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 13 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Let us prove the statement 1. By using induction, it is
enough to show that if G and K are supersolvable then so
is G × K. Consider a supersolvable series
G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 and
K = K0 ≥ K1 ≥ . . . ≥ Km ≥ Km+1 = 1 of G and K,
respectively. We have Gi × 1 = Gi × Km+1 E G × K and
G × Kj = G0 × Kj E G × K. Furthemore,

Gi × 1 / Gi+1 × 1 ∼ = Gi /Gi+1 × 1/1 ∼

= Gi /Gi+1
G × Kj / G × Kj+1 ∼ = G/G × Kj /Kj+1 ∼



= Kj /Kj+1 .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 13 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Let us prove the statement 1. By using induction, it is
enough to show that if G and K are supersolvable then so
is G × K. Consider a supersolvable series
G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 and
K = K0 ≥ K1 ≥ . . . ≥ Km ≥ Km+1 = 1 of G and K,
respectively. We have Gi × 1 = Gi × Km+1 E G × K and
G × Kj = G0 × Kj E G × K. Furthemore,

Gi × 1 / Gi+1 × 1 ∼ = Gi /Gi+1 × 1/1 ∼

= Gi /Gi+1
G × Kj / G × Kj+1 ∼ = G/G × Kj /Kj+1 ∼



= Kj /Kj+1 .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 13 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Let us prove the statement 1. By using induction, it is
enough to show that if G and K are supersolvable then so
is G × K. Consider a supersolvable series
G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 and
K = K0 ≥ K1 ≥ . . . ≥ Km ≥ Km+1 = 1 of G and K,
respectively. We have Gi × 1 = Gi × Km+1 E G × K and
G × Kj = G0 × Kj E G × K. Furthemore,

Gi × 1 / Gi+1 × 1 ∼ = Gi /Gi+1 × 1/1 ∼

= Gi /Gi+1
G × Kj / G × Kj+1 ∼ = G/G × Kj /Kj+1 ∼



= Kj /Kj+1 .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 13 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Let us prove the statement 1. By using induction, it is
enough to show that if G and K are supersolvable then so
is G × K. Consider a supersolvable series
G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 and
K = K0 ≥ K1 ≥ . . . ≥ Km ≥ Km+1 = 1 of G and K,
respectively. We have Gi × 1 = Gi × Km+1 E G × K and
G × Kj = G0 × Kj E G × K. Furthemore,

Gi × 1 / Gi+1 × 1 ∼ = Gi /Gi+1 × 1/1 ∼

= Gi /Gi+1
G × Kj / G × Kj+1 ∼ = G/G × Kj /Kj+1 ∼



= Kj /Kj+1 .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 13 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.

G × K = G0 × K0 ≥ G × K1 ≥ · · · ≥ G × Km ≥ G × Km+1
= G × 1 ≥ G1 × 1 ≥ · · · ≥ Gn+1 × 1 = 1 × 1

is a supersolvable series of G × K.
For the statement 2, consider the homomorphism
n
Y
φ : G −→ G/Hi , g 7→ (gH1 , . . . , gHn )
i=1

n n n
Hi ∼
T T Q
whose kernel is Hi . It follows that G/ = G/Hi
i=1 i=1 i=1
which is a supersolvable group by the statement 1.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 14 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.

G × K = G0 × K0 ≥ G × K1 ≥ · · · ≥ G × Km ≥ G × Km+1
= G × 1 ≥ G1 × 1 ≥ · · · ≥ Gn+1 × 1 = 1 × 1

is a supersolvable series of G × K.
For the statement 2, consider the homomorphism
n
Y
φ : G −→ G/Hi , g 7→ (gH1 , . . . , gHn )
i=1

n n n
Hi ∼
T T Q
whose kernel is Hi . It follows that G/ = G/Hi
i=1 i=1 i=1
which is a supersolvable group by the statement 1.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 14 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.

G × K = G0 × K0 ≥ G × K1 ≥ · · · ≥ G × Km ≥ G × Km+1
= G × 1 ≥ G1 × 1 ≥ · · · ≥ Gn+1 × 1 = 1 × 1

is a supersolvable series of G × K.
For the statement 2, consider the homomorphism
n
Y
φ : G −→ G/Hi , g 7→ (gH1 , . . . , gHn )
i=1

n n n
Hi ∼
T T Q
whose kernel is Hi . It follows that G/ = G/Hi
i=1 i=1 i=1
which is a supersolvable group by the statement 1.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 14 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Corollary
Supersolvable groups satisfy the maximal condition of
chains of subgroups.

Proof
Let G be a supersolvable group and suppose that it has a
infinite series of subgroups

H0 ≤ H1 ≤ . . . ≤ Hn ≤ . . .

Since subgroups of supersolvable groups are supersolvable

then all subgroups of G are finitely generated. In particular
∞
S
Hi ≤ G is finitely generated.
i=0

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 15 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Corollary
Supersolvable groups satisfy the maximal condition of
chains of subgroups.

Proof
Let G be a supersolvable group and suppose that it has a
infinite series of subgroups

H0 ≤ H1 ≤ . . . ≤ Hn ≤ . . .

Since subgroups of supersolvable groups are supersolvable

then all subgroups of G are finitely generated. In particular
∞
S
Hi ≤ G is finitely generated.
i=0

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 15 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Corollary
Supersolvable groups satisfy the maximal condition of
chains of subgroups.

Proof
Let G be a supersolvable group and suppose that it has a
infinite series of subgroups

H0 ≤ H1 ≤ . . . ≤ Hn ≤ . . .

Since subgroups of supersolvable groups are supersolvable

then all subgroups of G are finitely generated. In particular
∞
S
Hi ≤ G is finitely generated.
i=0

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 15 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Remark

Proof.
Assume it is generated by {x1 , . . . , xk } then there exists
m ∈ N such that {x1 , . . . , xk } ⊆ Hm which means
∞
S
Hi ⊆ Hm , a contradiction.
i=0

We know that all nilpotent groups are solvable;

Supersolvability (then solvable) does not imply
nilpotence (Consider S3 );
Nilpotence does not imply supersolvability
(Consider (Q, +)).
The next result gives us a relation between nilpotent and
supersolvable groups:
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 16 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Remark

Proof.
Assume it is generated by {x1 , . . . , xk } then there exists
m ∈ N such that {x1 , . . . , xk } ⊆ Hm which means
∞
S
Hi ⊆ Hm , a contradiction.
i=0

We know that all nilpotent groups are solvable;

Supersolvability (then solvable) does not imply
nilpotence (Consider S3 );
Nilpotence does not imply supersolvability
(Consider (Q, +)).
The next result gives us a relation between nilpotent and
supersolvable groups:
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 16 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Remark

Proof.
Assume it is generated by {x1 , . . . , xk } then there exists
m ∈ N such that {x1 , . . . , xk } ⊆ Hm which means
∞
S
Hi ⊆ Hm , a contradiction.
i=0

We know that all nilpotent groups are solvable;

Supersolvability (then solvable) does not imply
nilpotence (Consider S3 );
Nilpotence does not imply supersolvability
(Consider (Q, +)).
The next result gives us a relation between nilpotent and
supersolvable groups:
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 16 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Remark

Proof.
Assume it is generated by {x1 , . . . , xk } then there exists
m ∈ N such that {x1 , . . . , xk } ⊆ Hm which means
∞
S
Hi ⊆ Hm , a contradiction.
i=0

We know that all nilpotent groups are solvable;

Supersolvability (then solvable) does not imply
nilpotence (Consider S3 );
Nilpotence does not imply supersolvability
(Consider (Q, +)).
The next result gives us a relation between nilpotent and
supersolvable groups:
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 16 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Remark

Proof.
Assume it is generated by {x1 , . . . , xk } then there exists
m ∈ N such that {x1 , . . . , xk } ⊆ Hm which means
∞
S
Hi ⊆ Hm , a contradiction.
i=0

We know that all nilpotent groups are solvable;

Supersolvability (then solvable) does not imply
nilpotence (Consider S3 );
Nilpotence does not imply supersolvability
(Consider (Q, +)).
The next result gives us a relation between nilpotent and
supersolvable groups:
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 16 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
If G is a finitely generated nilpotent group, then G is
supersolvable.

Proof
Consider a upper central series
1 = ζ0 ≤ ζ1 ≤
 · · · ≤ ζc ≤ ζc+1 = G, where ζi E G and
ζi+1 G
ζi ≤ Z ζi . Notice that ζi+1 /ζi is abelian and finitely
generated, thus we have it is a direct product of cyclic
groups
ζi+1 Ci Ci Ci
= 1 × 2 × ··· × k.
ζi ζi ζi ζi

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 17 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
If G is a finitely generated nilpotent group, then G is
supersolvable.

Proof
Consider a upper central series
1 = ζ0 ≤ ζ1 ≤
 · · · ≤ ζc ≤ ζc+1 = G, where ζi E G and
ζi+1 G
ζi ≤ Z ζi . Notice that ζi+1 /ζi is abelian and finitely
generated, thus we have it is a direct product of cyclic
groups
ζi+1 Ci Ci Ci
= 1 × 2 × ··· × k.
ζi ζi ζi ζi

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 17 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
If G is a finitely generated nilpotent group, then G is
supersolvable.

Proof
Consider a upper central series
1 = ζ0 ≤ ζ1 ≤
 · · · ≤ ζc ≤ ζc+1 = G, where ζi E G and
ζi+1 G
ζi ≤ Z ζi . Notice that ζi+1 /ζi is abelian and finitely
generated, thus we have it is a direct product of cyclic
groups
ζi+1 Ci Ci Ci
= 1 × 2 × ··· × k.
ζi ζi ζi ζi

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 17 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof.
  Ci
ζi+1
Since ≤Z G
ζi
j G
ζi we know that ζi E ζi , which implies
Cij E G. Thus we can refine the series in this way

1 ≤ . . . ≤ ζi ≤ Ci1 ≤ Ci1 Ci2 ≤ . . .

. . . ≤ Ci1 Ci2 · · · Cik = ζi+1 ≤ . . . ≤ G.

The previous proposition show us directly that all finite

p-groups and finitely generated abelian groups are
supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 18 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof.
  Ci
ζi+1
Since ≤Z G
ζi
j G
ζi we know that ζi E ζi , which implies
Cij E G. Thus we can refine the series in this way

1 ≤ . . . ≤ ζi ≤ Ci1 ≤ Ci1 Ci2 ≤ . . .

. . . ≤ Ci1 Ci2 · · · Cik = ζi+1 ≤ . . . ≤ G.

The previous proposition show us directly that all finite

p-groups and finitely generated abelian groups are
supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 18 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof.
  Ci
ζi+1
Since ≤Z G
ζi
j G
ζi we know that ζi E ζi , which implies
Cij E G. Thus we can refine the series in this way

1 ≤ . . . ≤ ζi ≤ Ci1 ≤ Ci1 Ci2 ≤ . . .

. . . ≤ Ci1 Ci2 · · · Cik = ζi+1 ≤ . . . ≤ G.

The previous proposition show us directly that all finite

p-groups and finitely generated abelian groups are
supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 18 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof.
  Ci
ζi+1
Since ≤Z G
ζi
j G
ζi we know that ζi E ζi , which implies
Cij E G. Thus we can refine the series in this way

1 ≤ . . . ≤ ζi ≤ Ci1 ≤ Ci1 Ci2 ≤ . . .

. . . ≤ Ci1 Ci2 · · · Cik = ζi+1 ≤ . . . ≤ G.

The previous proposition show us directly that all finite

p-groups and finitely generated abelian groups are
supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 18 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

It is not true that N E G and G/N supersolvable implies G

supersolvable. For example, A4 is not supersolvable, but
K4 and A4 /K4 ∼ = C3 are supersolvable.
Definition
Let G be a group and N E G. We say that N is
G−supersolvable if N has a supersolvable series
N = N0 ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nn ≥ Nn+1 = 1 with Ni E G, for all
0 ≤ i ≤ n + 1.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 19 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

It is not true that N E G and G/N supersolvable implies G

supersolvable. For example, A4 is not supersolvable, but
K4 and A4 /K4 ∼ = C3 are supersolvable.
Definition
Let G be a group and N E G. We say that N is
G−supersolvable if N has a supersolvable series
N = N0 ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nn ≥ Nn+1 = 1 with Ni E G, for all
0 ≤ i ≤ n + 1.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 19 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

It is not true that N E G and G/N supersolvable implies G

supersolvable. For example, A4 is not supersolvable, but
K4 and A4 /K4 ∼ = C3 are supersolvable.
Definition
Let G be a group and N E G. We say that N is
G−supersolvable if N has a supersolvable series
N = N0 ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nn ≥ Nn+1 = 1 with Ni E G, for all
0 ≤ i ≤ n + 1.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 19 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proposition
Let N E G. If N is G−supersolvable and G/N is
supersolvable then G is supersolvable.

Proof
In fact, applying the Correspondence Theorem to a
supersolvable series of G/N we can write

G/N = G0 /N ≥ G1 /N ≥ . . . ≥ Gn /N ≥ Gn+1 /N = N/N,

where each Gi is normal in G with N ≤ Gi . We get that

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N

is a normal series of G from G up to N .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 20 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proposition
Let N E G. If N is G−supersolvable and G/N is
supersolvable then G is supersolvable.

Proof
In fact, applying the Correspondence Theorem to a
supersolvable series of G/N we can write

G/N = G0 /N ≥ G1 /N ≥ . . . ≥ Gn /N ≥ Gn+1 /N = N/N,

where each Gi is normal in G with N ≤ Gi . We get that

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N

is a normal series of G from G up to N .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 20 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proposition
Let N E G. If N is G−supersolvable and G/N is
supersolvable then G is supersolvable.

Proof
In fact, applying the Correspondence Theorem to a
supersolvable series of G/N we can write

G/N = G0 /N ≥ G1 /N ≥ . . . ≥ Gn /N ≥ Gn+1 /N = N/N,

where each Gi is normal in G with N ≤ Gi . We get that

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N

is a normal series of G from G up to N .

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 20 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof.
Since N is G−supersolvable we have

N = N0 ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nr ≥ Nr+1 = 1

a supersolvable series of N with each Ni normal in G.

Therefore,

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N ≥ N1 ≥ . . .
. . . ≥ Nr ≥ Nr+1 = 1

is the desired supersolvable series of G.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 21 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof.
Since N is G−supersolvable we have

N = N0 ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nr ≥ Nr+1 = 1

a supersolvable series of N with each Ni normal in G.

Therefore,

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N ≥ N1 ≥ . . .
. . . ≥ Nr ≥ Nr+1 = 1

is the desired supersolvable series of G.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 21 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proposition
If G is a supersolvable group and N E G, then N occurs as
a term in a supersolvable series of G.

Proof
As the quotient G/N is supersolvable, using the
Correspondence Theorem we can get a normal series of G
from G up to N :

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N

where Gi+1 /Gi is cyclic.

Take G = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hr ≥ Hr+1 = 1 a supersolvable
series of G and define Ni = Hi ∩ N .
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 22 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proposition
If G is a supersolvable group and N E G, then N occurs as
a term in a supersolvable series of G.

Proof
As the quotient G/N is supersolvable, using the
Correspondence Theorem we can get a normal series of G
from G up to N :

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N

where Gi+1 /Gi is cyclic.

Take G = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hr ≥ Hr+1 = 1 a supersolvable
series of G and define Ni = Hi ∩ N .
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 22 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proposition
If G is a supersolvable group and N E G, then N occurs as
a term in a supersolvable series of G.

Proof
As the quotient G/N is supersolvable, using the
Correspondence Theorem we can get a normal series of G
from G up to N :

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N

where Gi+1 /Gi is cyclic.

Take G = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hr ≥ Hr+1 = 1 a supersolvable
series of G and define Ni = Hi ∩ N .
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 22 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.
Since a supersolvable group is closed to subgroups we get
N = N0 ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nr ≥ Nr+1 = 1 supersolvable series
of N . Then N occurs in the following supersolvable series
of G:

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nr+1 = 1.

In particular, the previous propositions says that if N is a

normal cyclic subgroup of G with G/N supersolvable, then
G is supersolvable.
An immediate consequence of proposition is that normal
subgroups of a supersolvable group G are G−supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 23 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.
Since a supersolvable group is closed to subgroups we get
N = N0 ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nr ≥ Nr+1 = 1 supersolvable series
of N . Then N occurs in the following supersolvable series
of G:

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nr+1 = 1.

In particular, the previous propositions says that if N is a

normal cyclic subgroup of G with G/N supersolvable, then
G is supersolvable.
An immediate consequence of proposition is that normal
subgroups of a supersolvable group G are G−supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 23 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.
Since a supersolvable group is closed to subgroups we get
N = N0 ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nr ≥ Nr+1 = 1 supersolvable series
of N . Then N occurs in the following supersolvable series
of G:

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nr+1 = 1.

In particular, the previous propositions says that if N is a

normal cyclic subgroup of G with G/N supersolvable, then
G is supersolvable.
An immediate consequence of proposition is that normal
subgroups of a supersolvable group G are G−supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 23 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.
Since a supersolvable group is closed to subgroups we get
N = N0 ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nr ≥ Nr+1 = 1 supersolvable series
of N . Then N occurs in the following supersolvable series
of G:

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ N ≥ N1 ≥ . . . ≥ Nr+1 = 1.

In particular, the previous propositions says that if N is a

normal cyclic subgroup of G with G/N supersolvable, then
G is supersolvable.
An immediate consequence of proposition is that normal
subgroups of a supersolvable group G are G−supersolvable.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 23 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Lemma
1 Every subgroup of an infinite cyclic group different from

the identity is an infinite cyclic group of finite index,

and there is a unique subgroup for each finite index.
2 Every subgroup of a finite cyclic group of order n is a
cyclic group of order dividing n, and there is a unique
subgroup of each order dividing n.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 24 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Theorem
A supersolvable group G has a normal series
G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 in which every
factor group Gi /Gi+1 is either infinite cyclic or cyclic of
prime order.

Proof
Let G be supersolvable with supersolvable series
G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1. If Gi /Gi+1 is cyclic
of finite order p1 p2 · · · ps where p1 , . . . , ps are primes (not
necessarily distinct) then, by the previous lemma, Gi /Gi+1
has only one subgroup Hi 1 /Gi+1 , . . . , Hi s /Gi+1 of order
p1 p2 · · · ps , p2 · · · ps , . . . , ps respectively.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 25 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Theorem
A supersolvable group G has a normal series
G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 in which every
factor group Gi /Gi+1 is either infinite cyclic or cyclic of
prime order.

Proof
Let G be supersolvable with supersolvable series
G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1. If Gi /Gi+1 is cyclic
of finite order p1 p2 · · · ps where p1 , . . . , ps are primes (not
necessarily distinct) then, by the previous lemma, Gi /Gi+1
has only one subgroup Hi 1 /Gi+1 , . . . , Hi s /Gi+1 of order
p1 p2 · · · ps , p2 · · · ps , . . . , ps respectively.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 25 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.
Since Hi j /Gi+1 is a characteristic subgroup of
Gi /Gi+1 E G/Gi+1 we have Hi j /Gi+1 E G/Gi+1 then
Hi j E G. Hence, we can refine our series as below

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gi ≥ Hi 1 ≥ . . .
. . . ≥ Hi s ≥ Gi+1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1.

Notice, by the Isomorphism Theorem that

Hi j /Gi+1
Hi j /Hi,j+1 ∼
= . Then |Hi j /Hi j+1 | = pj .
Hi,j+1 /Gi+1
If we repeat this process for all 0 ≤ i ≤ n + 1 we get a
normal series of G with infinite cyclic factors or cyclic of
prime order.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 26 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.
Since Hi j /Gi+1 is a characteristic subgroup of
Gi /Gi+1 E G/Gi+1 we have Hi j /Gi+1 E G/Gi+1 then
Hi j E G. Hence, we can refine our series as below

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gi ≥ Hi 1 ≥ . . .
. . . ≥ Hi s ≥ Gi+1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1.

Notice, by the Isomorphism Theorem that

Hi j /Gi+1
Hi j /Hi,j+1 ∼
= . Then |Hi j /Hi j+1 | = pj .
Hi,j+1 /Gi+1
If we repeat this process for all 0 ≤ i ≤ n + 1 we get a
normal series of G with infinite cyclic factors or cyclic of
prime order.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 26 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.
Since Hi j /Gi+1 is a characteristic subgroup of
Gi /Gi+1 E G/Gi+1 we have Hi j /Gi+1 E G/Gi+1 then
Hi j E G. Hence, we can refine our series as below

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gi ≥ Hi 1 ≥ . . .
. . . ≥ Hi s ≥ Gi+1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1.

Notice, by the Isomorphism Theorem that

Hi j /Gi+1
Hi j /Hi,j+1 ∼
= . Then |Hi j /Hi j+1 | = pj .
Hi,j+1 /Gi+1
If we repeat this process for all 0 ≤ i ≤ n + 1 we get a
normal series of G with infinite cyclic factors or cyclic of
prime order.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 26 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties
Proof.
Since Hi j /Gi+1 is a characteristic subgroup of
Gi /Gi+1 E G/Gi+1 we have Hi j /Gi+1 E G/Gi+1 then
Hi j E G. Hence, we can refine our series as below

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gi ≥ Hi 1 ≥ . . .
. . . ≥ Hi s ≥ Gi+1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1.

Notice, by the Isomorphism Theorem that

Hi j /Gi+1
Hi j /Hi,j+1 ∼
= . Then |Hi j /Hi j+1 | = pj .
Hi,j+1 /Gi+1
If we repeat this process for all 0 ≤ i ≤ n + 1 we get a
normal series of G with infinite cyclic factors or cyclic of
prime order.
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 26 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Moreover, we can refine our supersolvable series with

infinite cyclic factors or cyclic of prime order, and if
Gi−1 /Gi and Gi /Gi+1 are of prime orders pi and pi+1 we
have pi ≤ pi+1 .
Corollary
A supersolvable group has a cyclic normal subgroup of
infinite or prime order.

Corollary

A simple supersolvable group is cyclic of prime order.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 27 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Moreover, we can refine our supersolvable series with

infinite cyclic factors or cyclic of prime order, and if
Gi−1 /Gi and Gi /Gi+1 are of prime orders pi and pi+1 we
have pi ≤ pi+1 .
Corollary
A supersolvable group has a cyclic normal subgroup of
infinite or prime order.

Corollary

A simple supersolvable group is cyclic of prime order.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 27 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Moreover, we can refine our supersolvable series with

infinite cyclic factors or cyclic of prime order, and if
Gi−1 /Gi and Gi /Gi+1 are of prime orders pi and pi+1 we
have pi ≤ pi+1 .
Corollary
A supersolvable group has a cyclic normal subgroup of
infinite or prime order.

Corollary

A simple supersolvable group is cyclic of prime order.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 27 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Definition
A chief factor of G is a quotient H/K where H, K E G
and H/K is a minimal normal subgroup of G/K. A chief
series of G is a normal series whose factors are chief.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 28 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
The following statements are true:
1 A minimal normal subgroup of a supersolvable group is
cyclic of prime order.
2 A chief factor of a supersolvable group is cyclic of
prime order.
3 A supersolvable group with a chief series is a finite
group.
4 G is a finite supersolvable group if and only if it has a
chief series with cyclic factors of prime order.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 29 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
The following statements are true:
1 A minimal normal subgroup of a supersolvable group is
cyclic of prime order.
2 A chief factor of a supersolvable group is cyclic of
prime order.
3 A supersolvable group with a chief series is a finite
group.
4 G is a finite supersolvable group if and only if it has a
chief series with cyclic factors of prime order.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 29 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
The following statements are true:
1 A minimal normal subgroup of a supersolvable group is
cyclic of prime order.
2 A chief factor of a supersolvable group is cyclic of
prime order.
3 A supersolvable group with a chief series is a finite
group.
4 G is a finite supersolvable group if and only if it has a
chief series with cyclic factors of prime order.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 29 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
The following statements are true:
1 A minimal normal subgroup of a supersolvable group is
cyclic of prime order.
2 A chief factor of a supersolvable group is cyclic of
prime order.
3 A supersolvable group with a chief series is a finite
group.
4 G is a finite supersolvable group if and only if it has a
chief series with cyclic factors of prime order.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 29 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proposition
The following statements are true:
1 A minimal normal subgroup of a supersolvable group is
cyclic of prime order.
2 A chief factor of a supersolvable group is cyclic of
prime order.
3 A supersolvable group with a chief series is a finite
group.
4 G is a finite supersolvable group if and only if it has a
chief series with cyclic factors of prime order.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 29 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
1 Let N be a minimal normal subgroup of G. N is

G−supersolvable. By minimality, N is simple.

Applying a previous Corollary, we have that N is cyclic
of prime order.
2 If H/K is a chief factor of G, then H/K is a minimal
normal subgroup of G/K. Quotient groups of G are
supersolvable and thus by 1, H/K has prime order.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 30 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
1 Let N be a minimal normal subgroup of G. N is

G−supersolvable. By minimality, N is simple.

Applying a previous Corollary, we have that N is cyclic
of prime order.
2 If H/K is a chief factor of G, then H/K is a minimal
normal subgroup of G/K. Quotient groups of G are
supersolvable and thus by 1, H/K has prime order.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 30 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof.
3 If G has a chief series

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1, then each factor

n
Q
Gi /Gi+1 is finite by 2. But |G| = |Gi /Gi+1 | and so
i=0
G must be finite.
4 Finally, note that a finite group has chief series and
thus a finite supersolvable group has a chief series with
cyclic of prime order factors by 1. Conversely, a chief
series with cyclic factors is a normal series with cyclic
factors and hence is a supersolvable series.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 31 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof.
3 If G has a chief series

G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1, then each factor

n
Q
Gi /Gi+1 is finite by 2. But |G| = |Gi /Gi+1 | and so
i=0
G must be finite.
4 Finally, note that a finite group has chief series and
thus a finite supersolvable group has a chief series with
cyclic of prime order factors by 1. Conversely, a chief
series with cyclic factors is a normal series with cyclic
factors and hence is a supersolvable series.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 31 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Theorem
Let G be a supersolvable group. Then all maximal subgroups
of G has prime index.

Proof
Consider H < G. If H E G, G/H is a simple and
max
supersolvable group, therefore G/H is a cyclic group with
prime order, then [G : H] is prime.
Now, suppose that H is not a normal subgroup of G. Let
K be the maximal subgroup of H that is normal in G; we
G H
have that H/K < G/K and [G : H] = K : K , thus we
max
may assume that K = 1, without loss of generality.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 32 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Theorem
Let G be a supersolvable group. Then all maximal subgroups
of G has prime index.

Proof
Consider H < G. If H E G, G/H is a simple and
max
supersolvable group, therefore G/H is a cyclic group with
prime order, then [G : H] is prime.
Now, suppose that H is not a normal subgroup of G. Let
K be the maximal subgroup of H that is normal in G; we
G H
have that H/K < G/K and [G : H] = K : K , thus we
max
may assume that K = 1, without loss of generality.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 32 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Theorem
Let G be a supersolvable group. Then all maximal subgroups
of G has prime index.

Proof
Consider H < G. If H E G, G/H is a simple and
max
supersolvable group, therefore G/H is a cyclic group with
prime order, then [G : H] is prime.
Now, suppose that H is not a normal subgroup of G. Let
K be the maximal subgroup of H that is normal in G; we
G H
have that H/K < G/K and [G : H] = K : K , thus we
max
may assume that K = 1, without loss of generality.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 32 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Theorem
Let G be a supersolvable group. Then all maximal subgroups
of G has prime index.

Proof
Consider H < G. If H E G, G/H is a simple and
max
supersolvable group, therefore G/H is a cyclic group with
prime order, then [G : H] is prime.
Now, suppose that H is not a normal subgroup of G. Let
K be the maximal subgroup of H that is normal in G; we
G H
have that H/K < G/K and [G : H] = K : K , thus we
max
may assume that K = 1, without loss of generality.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 32 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Since G is supersolvable, we conclude that G has a normal
subgroup A, which is infinite cyclic or cyclic of prime order.
If A is infinite cyclic then A ∼
= Z; since Aut(Z) ∼= Z2 , all
subgroups of Z are characteristic.
Since A ∩ H ≤ A, then A ∩ H E G therefore A ∩ H = 1
because of K = 1 is the biggest subgroup with this
property. Moreover, we can choose B a proper subgroup of
A that is normal in G. Then we have H < AH and, by the
maximality of H, AH = G. However, this means that
H < BH < AH = G, which contradicts the maximality of
H.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 33 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Since G is supersolvable, we conclude that G has a normal
subgroup A, which is infinite cyclic or cyclic of prime order.
If A is infinite cyclic then A ∼
= Z; since Aut(Z) ∼= Z2 , all
subgroups of Z are characteristic.
Since A ∩ H ≤ A, then A ∩ H E G therefore A ∩ H = 1
because of K = 1 is the biggest subgroup with this
property. Moreover, we can choose B a proper subgroup of
A that is normal in G. Then we have H < AH and, by the
maximality of H, AH = G. However, this means that
H < BH < AH = G, which contradicts the maximality of
H.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 33 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Since G is supersolvable, we conclude that G has a normal
subgroup A, which is infinite cyclic or cyclic of prime order.
If A is infinite cyclic then A ∼
= Z; since Aut(Z) ∼= Z2 , all
subgroups of Z are characteristic.
Since A ∩ H ≤ A, then A ∩ H E G therefore A ∩ H = 1
because of K = 1 is the biggest subgroup with this
property. Moreover, we can choose B a proper subgroup of
A that is normal in G. Then we have H < AH and, by the
maximality of H, AH = G. However, this means that
H < BH < AH = G, which contradicts the maximality of
H.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 33 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Since G is supersolvable, we conclude that G has a normal
subgroup A, which is infinite cyclic or cyclic of prime order.
If A is infinite cyclic then A ∼
= Z; since Aut(Z) ∼= Z2 , all
subgroups of Z are characteristic.
Since A ∩ H ≤ A, then A ∩ H E G therefore A ∩ H = 1
because of K = 1 is the biggest subgroup with this
property. Moreover, we can choose B a proper subgroup of
A that is normal in G. Then we have H < AH and, by the
maximality of H, AH = G. However, this means that
H < BH < AH = G, which contradicts the maximality of
H.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 33 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Since G is supersolvable, we conclude that G has a normal
subgroup A, which is infinite cyclic or cyclic of prime order.
If A is infinite cyclic then A ∼
= Z; since Aut(Z) ∼= Z2 , all
subgroups of Z are characteristic.
Since A ∩ H ≤ A, then A ∩ H E G therefore A ∩ H = 1
because of K = 1 is the biggest subgroup with this
property. Moreover, we can choose B a proper subgroup of
A that is normal in G. Then we have H < AH and, by the
maximality of H, AH = G. However, this means that
H < BH < AH = G, which contradicts the maximality of
H.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 33 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof
Since G is supersolvable, we conclude that G has a normal
subgroup A, which is infinite cyclic or cyclic of prime order.
If A is infinite cyclic then A ∼
= Z; since Aut(Z) ∼= Z2 , all
subgroups of Z are characteristic.
Since A ∩ H ≤ A, then A ∩ H E G therefore A ∩ H = 1
because of K = 1 is the biggest subgroup with this
property. Moreover, we can choose B a proper subgroup of
A that is normal in G. Then we have H < AH and, by the
maximality of H, AH = G. However, this means that
H < BH < AH = G, which contradicts the maximality of
H.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 33 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

Proof.
Thus A has prime order. Then we have

[G : H] = [AH : H] = [A : A ∩ H] = [A : 1] = |A|
This means that H has prime index.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 34 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Properties

The next result assures us the reciprocal of the previous

theorem in the finite case.
Theorem (Huppert)
Suppose G is a finite group with the property that all its
maximal subgroups are of prime index. Then G is
supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 35 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Aplication
Theorem
Let G be a supersolvable group; then the commutator
subgroup G0 of G is nilpotent.

Proof
Let G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 be a
supersolvable series. Defining Hi := G0 ∩ Gi , as we have
already observed, G0 = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hn+1 = 1 is a
supersolvable series for G0 and moreover, Hi E G. Let Kj
be the distinct terms of this chain, we affirm that
G0 = K0 ≥ K1 ≥ . . . ≥ Ks = 1 is a central series for G0 . In
fact, we already checked that the K 0 s form a normal series,
now we will verify that Ki /Ki+1 ≤ Z(G0 /Ki+1 ). This is
equivalent to show that [Ki , G0 ] ≤ Ki+1 .
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 36 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Aplication
Theorem
Let G be a supersolvable group; then the commutator
subgroup G0 of G is nilpotent.

Proof
Let G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 be a
supersolvable series. Defining Hi := G0 ∩ Gi , as we have
already observed, G0 = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hn+1 = 1 is a
supersolvable series for G0 and moreover, Hi E G. Let Kj
be the distinct terms of this chain, we affirm that
G0 = K0 ≥ K1 ≥ . . . ≥ Ks = 1 is a central series for G0 . In
fact, we already checked that the K 0 s form a normal series,
now we will verify that Ki /Ki+1 ≤ Z(G0 /Ki+1 ). This is
equivalent to show that [Ki , G0 ] ≤ Ki+1 .
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 36 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Aplication
Theorem
Let G be a supersolvable group; then the commutator
subgroup G0 of G is nilpotent.

Proof
Let G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 be a
supersolvable series. Defining Hi := G0 ∩ Gi , as we have
already observed, G0 = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hn+1 = 1 is a
supersolvable series for G0 and moreover, Hi E G. Let Kj
be the distinct terms of this chain, we affirm that
G0 = K0 ≥ K1 ≥ . . . ≥ Ks = 1 is a central series for G0 . In
fact, we already checked that the K 0 s form a normal series,
now we will verify that Ki /Ki+1 ≤ Z(G0 /Ki+1 ). This is
equivalent to show that [Ki , G0 ] ≤ Ki+1 .
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 36 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Aplication
Theorem
Let G be a supersolvable group; then the commutator
subgroup G0 of G is nilpotent.

Proof
Let G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 be a
supersolvable series. Defining Hi := G0 ∩ Gi , as we have
already observed, G0 = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hn+1 = 1 is a
supersolvable series for G0 and moreover, Hi E G. Let Kj
be the distinct terms of this chain, we affirm that
G0 = K0 ≥ K1 ≥ . . . ≥ Ks = 1 is a central series for G0 . In
fact, we already checked that the K 0 s form a normal series,
now we will verify that Ki /Ki+1 ≤ Z(G0 /Ki+1 ). This is
equivalent to show that [Ki , G0 ] ≤ Ki+1 .
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 36 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Aplication
Theorem
Let G be a supersolvable group; then the commutator
subgroup G0 of G is nilpotent.

Proof
Let G = G0 ≥ G1 ≥ . . . ≥ Gn ≥ Gn+1 = 1 be a
supersolvable series. Defining Hi := G0 ∩ Gi , as we have
already observed, G0 = H0 ≥ H1 ≥ . . . ≥ Hn+1 = 1 is a
supersolvable series for G0 and moreover, Hi E G. Let Kj
be the distinct terms of this chain, we affirm that
G0 = K0 ≥ K1 ≥ . . . ≥ Ks = 1 is a central series for G0 . In
fact, we already checked that the K 0 s form a normal series,
now we will verify that Ki /Ki+1 ≤ Z(G0 /Ki+1 ). This is
equivalent to show that [Ki , G0 ] ≤ Ki+1 .
Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 36 / 40
 Supersolvable Groups

Aplication

Proof.
Note that g ∈ G induces an automorphism
ϕg ∈ Aut(Ki /Ki+1 ) in the cyclic group Ki /Ki+1 defined by
(ai Ki+1 )ϕg = agi Ki+1 . Since the group of automorphism of
a cyclic group is abelian, the automorphism induced by the
element [x, y] is trivial, with x, y ∈ G, then we have
[x,y]
(ai Ki+1 )ϕ[x,y] = ai Ki+1 = ai Ki+1
[x,y]
Therefore ai−1 ai = [ai , [x, y]] ∈ Ki+1 , ∀ ai ∈ Ki+1 and
x, y ∈ G, then [Ki , G0 ] ≤ Ki+1 , as we wish.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 37 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Aplication

Proof.
Note that g ∈ G induces an automorphism
ϕg ∈ Aut(Ki /Ki+1 ) in the cyclic group Ki /Ki+1 defined by
(ai Ki+1 )ϕg = agi Ki+1 . Since the group of automorphism of
a cyclic group is abelian, the automorphism induced by the
element [x, y] is trivial, with x, y ∈ G, then we have
[x,y]
(ai Ki+1 )ϕ[x,y] = ai Ki+1 = ai Ki+1
[x,y]
Therefore ai−1 ai = [ai , [x, y]] ∈ Ki+1 , ∀ ai ∈ Ki+1 and
x, y ∈ G, then [Ki , G0 ] ≤ Ki+1 , as we wish.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 37 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Aplication

Proof.
Note that g ∈ G induces an automorphism
ϕg ∈ Aut(Ki /Ki+1 ) in the cyclic group Ki /Ki+1 defined by
(ai Ki+1 )ϕg = agi Ki+1 . Since the group of automorphism of
a cyclic group is abelian, the automorphism induced by the
element [x, y] is trivial, with x, y ∈ G, then we have
[x,y]
(ai Ki+1 )ϕ[x,y] = ai Ki+1 = ai Ki+1
[x,y]
Therefore a−1
i ai = [ai , [x, y]] ∈ Ki+1 , ∀ ai ∈ Ki+1 and
x, y ∈ G, then [Ki , G0 ] ≤ Ki+1 , as we wish.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 37 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Aplication

Proof.
Note that g ∈ G induces an automorphism
ϕg ∈ Aut(Ki /Ki+1 ) in the cyclic group Ki /Ki+1 defined by
(ai Ki+1 )ϕg = agi Ki+1 . Since the group of automorphism of
a cyclic group is abelian, the automorphism induced by the
element [x, y] is trivial, with x, y ∈ G, then we have
[x,y]
(ai Ki+1 )ϕ[x,y] = ai Ki+1 = ai Ki+1
[x,y]
Therefore a−1
i ai = [ai , [x, y]] ∈ Ki+1 , ∀ ai ∈ Ki+1 and
x, y ∈ G, then [Ki , G0 ] ≤ Ki+1 , as we wish.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 37 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Aplications

We have already checked that S3 is supersolvable but is

not nilpotent, however S30 = A3 is nilpotent.
The converse of the last result is not true, since
A04 = K4 is nilpotent and A4 is not supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 38 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Aplications

We have already checked that S3 is supersolvable but is

not nilpotent, however S30 = A3 is nilpotent.
The converse of the last result is not true, since
A04 = K4 is nilpotent and A4 is not supersolvable.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 38 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

References

Marshall Hall Jr. The Theory of Groups. 1963.

Cleber Pereira. Propriedades de Frattini em PC-Grupos.
2014.
C. J. E. Pinnock. Supersolubility and some
Characterizations of Finite Supersoluble Groups. 1998.
D. J. S. Robinson. A Course in the Theory of Groups. 1996.

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 39 / 40

 Supersolvable Groups

Thank you!

Teresinha Gouvêa, Vanderlei Lopes, Wesley Quaresma Supersolvable Groups 40 / 40