The groups \(G\) satisfying a functional equation \(f(xk) = xf(x)\) for some \(k \in G\) (Q2093229)

This is a very interesting paper and establishes the existence, in some groups, of a function satisfying \(f(xk) = x f(x)\) for some \(k \in G\) from the group into itself. Definition. A group \(G\) is a \(J\)-group if there exists an element \(k \in G\) satisfying \(f(xk) = x f(x)\). The constant element \(k \in G\) is called a ``witness'' for \(G\). Interestingly, any group \(G\) with an element \(k\) of infinite order is a \(J\)-group with witness \(k\). Hence, the authors concentrate on finite groups. A finite \(J\)-group has odd order and hence is solvable. The smallest odd order group that is not a \(J\)-group is metacyclic of order 21. Also the class of \(J\)-groups is not closed under quotient groups or normal subgroups. Next, the authors investigate if a finite nilpotent group of odd order is a \(J\)-group. They show that for a \(p\)-group \(G\), if \(p^{2} > 2c - 1\), where \(c\) is the nilpotence class, then \(G\) is a \(J\)-group, as well as a number of other results. However, the question of whether all \(p\)-groups for odd prime \(p\) are \(J\)-groups remains open. Finally, the authors give examples of non-nilpotent \(J\)-groups. In summary, this is a very nice paper, the proofs are generally relatively easy to read and the results are very interesting.