On integers that are covering numbers of groups

DOI10.1080/10586458.2019.1636425arXiv1805.09047WikidataQ127480790 ScholiaQ127480790MaRDI QIDQ6301981FDOQ6301981

Authors: Martino Garonzi, Luise-Charlotte Kappe, Eric Swartz 

Publication date: 23 May 2018

Abstract: The covering number of a group $G$, denoted by $sigma(G)$, is the size of a minimal collection of proper subgroups of $G$ whose union is $G$. We investigate which integers are covering numbers of groups. We determine which integers $129$ or smaller are covering numbers, and we determine precisely or bound the covering number of every primitive monolithic group with a degree of primitivity at most $129$ by introducing effective new computational techniques. Furthermore, we prove that, if $mathscr{F}_1$ is the family of finite groups $G$ such that all proper quotients of $G$ are solvable, then $mathbbN-sigma(G):Ginmathscr{F}_1$ is infinite, which provides further evidence that infinitely many integers are not covering numbers. Finally, we prove that every integer of the form $(q^m-1)/(q-1)$, where $meq3$ and $q$ is a prime power, is a covering number, generalizing a result of Cohn.

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Primitive groups (20B15) Arithmetic and combinatorial problems involving abstract finite groups (20D60)

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