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Let $G$ be a cyclic group of order $n$. Let $m \in \mathbb{Z}$, $m \leq n$. Find the number of subgroups of $G$ that have order $m$.

My attempt:

Supose that $m\mid n$ that is, there exists $k \in \mathbb{Z}$ such that $n=km$.

$$\langle a^k\rangle=\left\{e, a^k,a^{2k},...,a^{(m-1)k}\right\} \leq G$$

Let us see that this is the only group of order $m$ $$|\langle a^s\rangle|=m \Rightarrow a^{sm}=e \Rightarrow n\mid sm$$

That is, there is an integer $t$ such that $$sm=nt \Rightarrow a^{s}=\left(a^{n/m}\right)^t=(a^k)^t \in \langle a^k\rangle $$

Conclusion:

If $G$ is a cyclic group of order $n$, then for every $m\mid n$ there exists a unique subgroup of $G$ with order $m$.

My question:

What happens if $m$ does not divide $n$?

Shaun
  • 44,997

1 Answers1

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Lagrange's Theorem: if $H\le G$, then the order of $H$ divides the order of $G$.

Use the contrapositive.

Shaun
  • 44,997