[Math] Commutator Subgroup in a $p$-group

abelian-groupsgroup-theoryp-groups

Let $G$ be a finite non-trivial $p$-group. Show that $G'$ (the commutator subgroup of $G$), is a proper subgroup of $G$.


How could one show this result? I was thinking of first arguing that the center $Z(G)$ is non-trivial since $G$ is a non-trivial finite $p$-group. I'm not sure on how to proceed though.

Best Answer

Since $G$ is a $p$-group, all maximal subgroups must be normal.

If $M$ is a maximal subgroup, then $G/M$, being of order $p$, is cyclic, hence $......$ (can you complete this sentence?)

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