2-bound finite groups (Q788109)

A group G is called n-bound if there exist polynomials \(f_ 1(x),...,f_ n(x)\) over G (i.e. elements of the free product \(G*<x>\) where \(<x>\) is infinite cyclic) such that \(f_ 1(1)\neq 1,...,f_ n(1)\neq 1\) and for all \(a\in G\), with \(a\neq 1\), there exists i (1\(\leq i\leq n)\) such that \(f_ i(a)=1\). The concept is related to the question of how many Hausdorff topologies are admitted by an algebraic structure. Some results are stated for fields, integral domains, etc.. The main theorem classifies all 2-bound finite groups. They are those finite groups G which satisfy one of the following conditions. (i) G has at most two minimal normal subgroups and each minimal normal subgroup is non- abelian. (ii) The centre, Z(G), of G is cyclic of order 2 and G/Z(G) has only one minimal normal subgroup, which is non-abelian. (iii) G is isomorphic to one of the following ten groups: the cyclic groups of orders 2, 3 and 4, the dihedral groups of orders 6 and 8, the quaternion group of order 8, two non-isomorphic groups of order 24, and two non- isomorphic groups of order 48. This theorem extends unpublished work of G. Cherlin classifying all 1-bound finite groups.