[Math] $G \times H \cong G \times K$ , then $ K \cong H$

abstract-algebragroup-theory

I already know that if groups $G,H,K$ are finitely generated abelian groups, following is true.

If $G\times K$ is isomorphic to $H\times K$, then $G$ is isomorphic to $H$.
I prove this by uniquness of factorization of finitely generated abelian groups.

My questions are

  1. If group $G$ is finite,$G\times K$ is isomorphic to $H\times K$, then $G$ is isomorphic to $H$? Can you give me a easiest proof and it can be proved by projection function on external direct product?

  2. If $G,H,K$ are groups. If $G\times K$ is isomorphic to $H\times K$, then $G$ is isomorphic to $H$. This statement is false. What is a counterexample?

*$\times$ is external direct product

Best Answer

1) This is a nontrivial theorem of Laszlo Lovasz. Google his name along with direct product and you will find it.

2) Let $$G = \mathbb{Z} / p \mathbb{Z} \times \mathbb{Z} / p \mathbb{Z} \times \ldots$$ $$H = \mathbb{Z} / p \mathbb{Z} $$ $$K = \mathbb{Z} / p \mathbb{Z} \times \mathbb{Z} / p \mathbb{Z}.$$