An elementary proof of the Benjamini-Nekrashevych-Pete conjecture for the semi-direct products \(\mathbb{Z}^n \rtimes \mathbb{Z} \) (Q6934093)

Let \(G\) be a finitely generated group. \(G\) is called \textit{scale-invariant} if there exists a descending chain of finite index subgroups, each isomorphic to \(G\), with trivial intersection. A stronger property, introduced by \textit{V. Nekrashevych} and \textit{G. Pete} [Groups Geom. Dyn. 5, No. 1, 139--167 (2011; Zbl 1236.20031)], defines \(G\) as \textit{strongly scale-invariant} if it admits an injective homomorphism \(f: G \to G\) such that \([G: f(G)] < \infty\) and the intersection \(\bigcap_{n \ge 0} f^n(G)\) is finite. The Benjamini-Nekrashevych-Pete conjecture asserts that every finitely generated strongly scale-invariant group is virtually nilpotent.\N\NThe conjecture has been verified for virtually polycyclic groups by \textit{J. Deré} [Groups Geom. Dyn. 16, No. 3, 985--1004 (2022; Zbl 1506.20071)] using the theory of algebraic groups and Lie algebras. In the present paper, the author provides an elementary proof for the specific subclass of semi-direct products of the form \(G = \mathbb{Z}^n \rtimes_A \mathbb{Z}\), defined by a matrix \(A \in \mathrm{GL}_n(\mathbb{Z})\).\N\NThe proof relies on linear algebra and basic abstract algebra, avoiding the machinery of algebraic groups. A crucial step (Proposition 2.3) establishes that such a group \(G\) is virtually nilpotent if and only if all eigenvalues of \(A\) are roots of unity.\N\NAssuming \(G\) is not virtually nilpotent, the author analyzes the properties of injective homomorphisms \(f: G \to G\). It is shown that if \(A\) has an eigenvalue that is not a root of unity, the composition \(f^2\) must possess a non-trivial fixed point (Proposition 3.1). Since torsion-free groups like \(G\) cannot have finite orbits for non-trivial fixed points, this implies the intersection \(\bigcap_{n \ge 0} f^n(G)\) is infinite, contradicting the assumption of strong scale-invariance.\N\NThe main results are as follows:\N\NTheorem 1.2. Let \(n\) be a positive integer, \(A \in \mathrm{GL}_n(\mathbb{Z})\) and \(G = \mathbb{Z}^n \rtimes_A \mathbb{Z}\). Suppose that \(G\) admits a strongly scale-invariant homomorphism \(f: G \to G\). Then \(G\) is virtually nilpotent.\N\NProposition 2.3. Let \(A \in \mathrm{GL}_n(\mathbb{Z})\) be a matrix and consider the semi-direct product \(G = \mathbb{Z}^n \rtimes_A \mathbb{Z}\) induced by \(A\). The group \(G\) is virtually nilpotent if and only if all eigenvalues of \(A\) are roots of unity.