A note on \(d \)-maximal \(p \)-groups (Q6146266)

Let \(G\) be a finite \(p\)-group and let \(d(G)\) be the minimal number of generators of \(G\). If \(A\) is a group acting on \(G\), then \(G\) is \(d\)-maximal for \(A\)-groups if \(d(H) < d(G)\) for every proper \(A\)-invariant subgroup \(H\) of \(G\). In the paper under review, the authors extend earlier results of \textit{T. J. Laffey} [Bull. Lond. Math. Soc. 5, 288--290 (1973; Zbl 0273.20013)] and \textit{B. Kahn} [J. Algebra 188, No. 2, 401--408 (1997; Zbl 0879.20017)] to this setting and they answer a question of \textit{Y. Berkovich} [Groups of prime power order. Vol. 1. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter (2008; Zbl 1168.20001), Problem 1850] on minimal non-metacyclic \(2\)-groups. The main results are the following two theorems. Theorem 1.6: Let \(G\) be a \(2\)-group, and \(A\) a \(2\)-group acting on \(G\). If \(G\) is \(d\)-maximal for \(A\)-invariant subgroups, then \(\gamma_{3}(G)=\gamma_{2}(G)^{2}\). Theorem 1.10: Let \(G\) be a \(2\)-group, and \(A\) a \(2\)-group acting on G. (i) If \(G=G^{4}\) is \(d\)-maximal for \(A\)-invariant subgroups, then so is \(G\). (ii) If \(G=G^{4}\) is minimal non-metacyclic, then so is \(G\).