Determination of a finite group by certain subgroups and a solution to Szép's conjecture (Q1112170)

Since the classification of the finite simple groups was completed, a lot of old conjectures concerning either simple or solvable finite groups were settled. This interesting expository paper deals with new results concerning the following two problems: A) The \(\pi\)-structure of the finite groups. B) The structure of the finite groups G which are factorized in the form \(G=AB\), where A and B are subgroups of G subject to certain conditions. Among the results presented in connection with Problem A), we mention a number of criteria of solvability due to the author and to \textit{M. Ward} [J. Algebra 77, 234-246 (1982; Zbl 0486.20018) and Arch. Math. 42, 489- 491 (1984; Zbl 0541.20015)]. One of them is just an old conjecture of P. Hall, asserting that G is solvable iff G satisfies property \(E_{\{p,q\}}\) for every pair of primes p, q in \(\pi\) (G). The most notable results presented in connection with Problem B) are the following: a) If \(G=AB\), where A, B are subgroups of G with nontrivial centre, then G cannot be simple nonabelian. This is an old conjecture of Szép (1963) and a proof appears in a joint paper of the author and \textit{E. Fisman} [J. Algebra 108, 340-354 (1987; Zbl 0614.20013)]. b) The determination in 1987 of the simple factorizable groups by two solvable subgroups by Kazarin (result obtained independently by the author, A. Mann and Y. Segev). c) The classification of all maximal factorizable simple groups, obtained by Hering, Liebeck, Saxl and Praeger (which seems to be yet unpublished). d) The description of the simple nonabelian groups \(G=AB\), where either A or B is a p-group, obtained by \textit{R. M. Guralnick} [J. Algebra 81, 304-311 (1983; Zbl 0515.20011)] and by the author and \textit{E. Fisman} [J. Algebra 86, 522-548 (1984; Zbl 0526.20014)].