∀-free metabelian groups (Q4338320)

Let \(M_n\) be a free non-abelian metabelian group of rank \(n\). Since \(\text{Th}_\forall M_{n_1}=\text{Th}_\forall M_{n_2}\) for any pair \((n_1,n_2)\) one can speak of the \(\forall\)-theory of a non-abelian free metabelian group \(\text{Th}_\forall M\). A group \(G\) is said to be \(\forall\)-free metabelian if \(\text{Th}_\forall G=\text{Th}_\forall M\). The author proved [in J. Algebra 176, No. 2, 368-391 (1995; Zbl 0860.20024)] that a \(\forall\)-free metabelian group has a decidable universal theory. In this paper he gives an explicit description of \(\forall\)-free metabelian groups in different ways. A set of universal axioms is presented for \(\text{Th}_\forall M\). It is proved that a group \(G\) is \(\forall\)-free metabelian if and only if \(G\) satisfies the following conditions: (i) \(G\) is torsion-free metabelian; (ii) the Fitting subgroup \(\text{Fit }G\) is abelian and isolated; (iii) \(\text{Fit }G\) is torsion-free as a \(\mathbb{Z}(G/\text{Fit }G)\)-module. It is known from results by G. Baumslag, F. B. Cannonito and D. J. S. Robinson that these conditions are recognizable in the class of finitely generated metabelian groups. Thus one can decide whether a given finitely generated metabelian group is a \(\forall\)-free metabelian group or not.