A note on a theorem of Solomon-Tits (Q1813650)

Let \(G=(G,B,N,R,U)\) be a finite group with a split \(BN\)-pair whose Coxeter system \((W,R)\) is of rank \(n\). \textit{L. Solomon} [Theory of finite groups, Harvard Symp. 1968, 213--221 (1969; Zbl 0216.08001)] and \textit{J. Tits} [Buildings of spherical type and finite BN-pairs. Berlin etc.: Springer-Verlag (1974; Zbl 0295.20047)] proved, by means of a geometrical argument, that the rational Steinberg module of \(G\) is isomorphic to \(H_{n-1}(\Delta)\); the \((n-1)\)st homology module of the Tits complex of \(G\). The first algebraic proof of this fact was given by \textit{C. Curtis} and \textit{G. Lehrer} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 85, 154--156 (1982; Zbl 0497.20041)]. In the paper under review another (algebraic and more direct) proof of this fact is given. This proof comes as a consequence of the main theorem (theorem 1) which states that \[ H_{n-1}(\Delta)\cong \{x\in Y = \text{Ind}^ G_ B(k)\;|\;\;A_ w(x) = (-1)^{l(w)}x\quad \forall w\in W\} \] where \(k\) is an arbitrary field, \(A_ w\) is the basis element of \(\text{End}_{kG}(Y)\) which corresponds to \(w\in W\) and \(l\) is the length function defined on the elements of \(W\).