# Thread: Subgroup proof is this right?

1. ## Subgroup proof is this right?

Show that a^2=1 is a subgroup of H Is my inverse right?

For the inverse, $(a^{-1})^2=1$. So, $a^{-1}a^{-1}=1$ and thus $a^{-1} \in H$.

2. Originally Posted by sfspitfire23
show that a^2=1 is a subgroup of h is my inverse right?

For the inverse, $(a^{-1})^2=1$. So, $a^{-1}a^{-1}=1$ and thus $a^{-1} \in h$.
Assume H is an abelian group. Let K be a subset of H such that $K=\{a \in H | a^2=1\}$. We show that K is a subgroup of H. It suffices to show that whenever x and y are in K, then $xy^{-1}$ is also in K (link).

Since H is an abelian group, we have ${(xy^{-1})}^2=xy^{-1}xy^{-1}=xxy^{-1}y^{-1}=1$. Thus K is a subgroup of H.

Anyhow I don't think K is necessarily a subgroup of H if H is a non-abelian group. Take an example of $S_3$.

3. Originally Posted by sfspitfire23
Show that a^2=1 is a subgroup of H Is my inverse right?

For the inverse, $(a^{-1})^2=1$. So, $a^{-1}a^{-1}=1$ and thus $a^{-1} \in H$.
Problem: Let $H$ be any group. Define $S=\{a\in H~|~a^2=1\}$. Prove that $S$ is a subgroup of $H$.

Proof (of inverse): Given $a^{-1}\in H$, we have to show that $a^{-1}\in S$ if $a\in S$.

$(a^{-1})^2=a^2(a^{-1})^2=1$ so $a^{-1}\in S$

$\square$