Representing matrices of almost completely decomposable groups (Q5936009)

An almost completely decomposable group \(X\) is a finite extension of a completely decomposable subgroup \(A\). That is, \(A\) is isomorphic to a finite direct sum of subgroups of the additive rationals, or rank-1 groups. Let \(e\) be a positive integer such that \(eX\subseteq A\), and let \(v_1,\dots,v_r\) be a set of generators for \(A/eA\). The quotient group \(eX/eA\) is finitely generated, say by \(x_1,\dots,x_k\). If we write \(x_i=\sum m_{ij}v_j\), we obtain a \(k\) by \(r\) matrix \(M=(m_{ij})\) called a representing matrix for \(X\). Clearly, \(M\) depends on the choices of \(A\), \(e\), \(v_j\) and \(x_i\). The authors explore, under appropriate assumptions, the existence of ``canonical forms'' for representing matrices. The most satisfactory results are obtained when the exponent \(e\) is a power of a prime \(p\), in particular when \(X/A\) is a free module over \(\mathbb{Z}/p^d\mathbb{Z}\) for some positive integer \(d\). Two applications demonstrate the utility of the results in the paper. First, the authors contribute yet another proof of the ``two critical types'' theorem. Proposition 4.2. Let \(X\) be a finite extension of a completely decomposable group that is a direct sum of copies of two rank-1 groups that have incomparable types. Then \(X\) is the direct sum of groups of ranks one or two. Second, they consider almost completely decomposable groups \(X\) with critical types \(t_1\), \(t_2\), \(t_3\) where \(t_2\leq t_3\) is the only relation. Call such a group a \((1;2)\)-group. Theorem 4.6. Let \(X\) be a \((1;2)\)-group such that \(X/R(X)\) is a free module over \(\mathbb{Z}/p^d\mathbb{Z}\). Then \(X\) is a direct sum of groups of rank no greater than 3. -- Here \(R(X)\) is the regulator of \(X\), the intersection of all regulating subgroups of \(X\).