On an inverse problem to Frobenius' theorem. (Q633168)

Let \(G\) be a finite group and \(L_e\) the set of all elements of the group \(G\) of order dividing \(e\). Frobenius' Theorem states that the set \(L_e\) is of order a multiple of \(e\), while Frobenius' Conjecture states that if the set \(L_e\) is of order \(e\) then \(L_e\) is a characteristic subgroup, which was established by \textit{N. Iiyori, H. Yamaki} [Bull. Am. Math. Soc., New Ser. 25, No. 2, 413-416 (2011; Zbl 0731.20010)]. The authors initiate the Inverse Problem to Frobenius' Theorem, i.e. classification of groups \(G\) with \(|L_e|\leq ke\) for every divisor \(e\) of the order of \(G\) for some fixed \(k\). For \(k=1\) these groups are clearly the cyclic ones, the main result of the paper solves the Inverse Problem for \(k=2\).