Lifting in Frattini covers and a characterization of finite solvable groups. (Q890761)

Let \(G\) be a finite group. A finite group \(X\) is called a Frattini cover of \(G\) if \(X/F=G\), where \(F\) is contained in the Frattini subgroup \(\Phi(X)\) of \(X\). Frattini covers have been studied considerably with respect to coverings of curves. Also, Frattini covers come up in studying minimal counterexamples. The first main result of this paper is a lifting theorem for Frattini covers \(X\) of \(G=X/F\) with \(F\) a primary group of odd order. Using this result, \textit{J. G. Thompson}'s classification of the finite simple groups in which every proper subgroup is solvable [Bull. Am. Math. Soc. 74, 383-437 (1968; Zbl 0159.30804)] and a result of \textit{I. M. Isaacs} [Am. J. Math. 95, 594-635 (1973; Zbl 0277.20008)], the authors obtain the following characterization of finite solvable groups (\textit{M. J. J. Barry} [in ``On conditions related to nonsolvability'', \url{arXiv:1109.4913} (2011)] asked whether this was true): a finite group \(G\) is solvable if and only if \(x_1x_2x_3\neq 1\) for all nontrivial \(p_i\)-elements \(x_i\) of \(G\) for distinct primes \(p_i\), \(i=1,2,3\). Thompson [loc. cit.] proved this result if one considers all triples of nontrivial elements of coprime order. In addition, the authors obtain some other characterizations of finite solvable groups, give a short proof of a theorem of \textit{W. Feit} and \textit{J. Tits} [Can. J. Math. 30, 1092-1102 (1978; Zbl 0358.20014)] about the minimal dimension of a representation of a group which has a section isomorphic to a given simple group, and discuss some connections between lifting theorems and coverings of curves over \(\mathbf C\).