Comparison of relative group (co)homologies (Q2398321)

Let \(G\) be a discrete group, \(H\) a subgroup of \(G\) and \(A\) a trivial \(G\)-module. The authors discuss the existing two different versions of relative (co)homology groups \(H_*(G,H;A)\) and \(H^*(G,H;A)\) (also denoted \(H_*([G:H];A)\) and \(H^*([G:H];A)\) respectively). One approach generalises the topological definition of the (co)homology groups and the other the algebraic one. The topological notion of relative cohomology groups was introduced by M. Auslander and then extended to define homology groups by \textit{S. Takasu} [J. Math. Soc. Japan 9, 315--329 (1957; Zbl 0082.03502); J. Fac. Sci., Univ. Tokyo, Sect. I 8, 75--110 (1959; Zbl 0092.02203)]. The authors call this version \textit{Takasu relative group (co)homology}. The other version of relative cohomology uses algebraic methods and it was introduced by \textit{I. T. Adamson} [Proc. Glasg. Math. Assoc. 2, 66--76 (1954; Zbl 0057.25401)], and later adapted for relative holomogy by Hochschild. The authors call it \textit{Adamson relative group (co)homology}. Both, the topological and algebraic approaches to relative (co)homology theories have stimulated a significant research activity. In the existing literature, both versions are simply called \textit{relative (co)homology groups}. The first part of the article presents both theories, and the authors show that Adamson relative (co)homology of the pair \((G,H)\) is the (co)homology of the classifying space for the family of subgroups of \(G\) generated by \(H\). In the second part of the article, the authors compare Adamson and Takasu relative group (co)homologies, and prove, via examples, that they do not coincide. They then give a sufficient condition in order that Adamson and Takasu relative group (co)homologies coincide.