No label defined (Q3972219)

[For the entire collection see Zbl 0701.00019.] In 1931 W. Magnus proved one of the fundamental theorems in combinatorial group theory, the Freiheitssatz for groups with a single defining relator. It states that if the group \(G\) is given by the presentation \(G= \langle t,x_ 1, \dots, x_ n\mid r\rangle\) where the relator \(r\) is reduced and cyclically reduced and involves the generator \(t\), then the map induced by inclusion of generators \(\langle x_ 1,\dots,x_ n\mid- \rangle\to G\) is monic. The Magnus approach to analyzing the structure of a one relator group has lead to a tremendously successful theory. The author now investigates the structure of the two relator group (1) \(G= \langle s,t,A\mid p,q\rangle\) where \(A= \{a_ 1,\dots, a_ n\}\), and the relators \(p,q\in \langle s,t,A\mid -\rangle\sim \langle A\mid- \rangle\). The behavior of groups with two defining relators is not nearly as rigid as that of the one relator case. This is demonstrated by the existence of groups in the form of (1) where the subgroup of \(G\) generated by \(A\) is not free. The nature of these examples leads one to a notion of the relators being independent relative to the generators \(\{s,t\}\) (in a highly non-commutative sense). With this concept developed she proves the Freiheitssatz for the group (1) which states that if the relators \(p\), \(q\) are independent relative to the generators \(\{s,t\}\) then the homomorphism induced by inclusion of generators \(\langle A\mid -\rangle\to G\) is monic. The proof is entirely in the spirit of Magnus' original approach to the one relator group with the addition of one new component: the theory of graphs of groups. In brief she considers \(N_ G\), the normal subgroup of \(G\) generated by \(A\), and by applying the Reidermeister-Schreier method obtains a presentation for \(N_ G\). From this presentation one constructs a graph of groups and a homomorphism from a quotient of \(N_ G\) onto the fundamental group of a graph of groups. Then one is reduced to demonstrating the free group based on \(A\) embeds in the fundamental group of the graph of groups, and this is deduced by analyzing the structure of the vertex groups (which turn out to be generalized free products of two one relator groups).