Group Theory – Does Every Infinite Group Have a Maximal Subgroup?

abstract-algebragroup-theoryinfinite-groups

$G$ is an infinite group.

  1. Is it necessary true that there exists a subgroup $H$ of $G$ and $H$ is maximal ?

  2. Is it possible that there exists such series $H_1 < H_2 < H_3 <\cdots <G $ with the property that for every $H_i$ there exists $H_{i+1}$ such that $H_i < H_{i+1}$?

Best Answer

Rotman p. 324 problem 10.25:

The following conditions on an abelian group are equivalent:

  • $G$ is divisible.

  • Every nonzero quotient of $G$ is infinite; and

  • $G$ has no maximal subgroups.

It is easy to see above points are equivalent. If you need the details, I can add them here.