On the Möbius function of a finite group (Q5896698)

Let \(\mu\) (resp. \(\lambda\)) denote the Möbius function of the lattice (the poset of conjugacy classes, respectively) of subgroups of a finite group \(G\). It is shown that for solvable \(G\) one has \(\mu(H,G)=[N_{G'}(H): H\cap G']\lambda (H,G)\). This generalizes a result of \textit{T. Hawkes}, \textit{I. M. Isaacs}, \textit{M. Özaydin} [Rocky Mt. J. Math. 19, 1003-1034 (1989; Zbl 0708.20005)]. Although the above relation is true for some non-solvable groups as well, e.g. for the simple groups \(PSL_ 2(p)\) (\(p\) a prime), it does not hold in general. Some counterexamples are given in the paper.