MAT3004 Abstract Algebra I · Groups

Statement

Let GG be a finite group of order pqpq, where pp and qq are distinct primes. Then GG is cyclic.

Proposed proof

By Cauchy's theorem, there exists an element a∈Ga\in G of order pp and an element b∈Gb\in G of order qq.

Since gcd⁡(p,q)=1\gcd(p,q)=1, the element abab has order pqpq. Indeed, if (ab)m=e(ab)^m=e, then both pp and qq must divide mm, so pq∣mpq\mid m. Therefore ∣ab∣=pq|ab|=pq.

Thus GG contains an element whose order is equal to ∣G∣|G|. Consequently, G=⟨ab⟩G=\langle ab\rangle, so GG is cyclic.