[Math] If $N$ is a nontrivial normal subgroup of a nilpotent group $G$, then $N\cap C(G)\neq \langle e\rangle$

abstract-algebragroup-theory

This is an exercise from a book of algebra.

If $N$ is a nontrivial normal subgroup of a nilpotent group $G$, then $N\cap C(G)\neq \langle e\rangle$.

This is my proof:

If $N\cap C(G) = \langle e\rangle$, then $C(N)\cap C(G)= \langle e\rangle$,then $g\in C(G)$ doesn't commute with any element $n\in N$ which is a contradiction since $N\subset G$.

My question is if the condition $N$ normal is trivial,and is my prove right?

Best Answer

Consider the upper central series of $G$, $Z^0(G)=1\leqslant Z(G)\leqslant \cdots \leqslant Z^c(G)=G$, for some $c$. There is a least $k$ such that $H\cap Z^k(G)\neq 1$. Normality gives $[H\cap K,G]\leqslant H\cap [K,G]$. Use this and $[Z^k(G),G]\leqslant Z^{k-1}(G)$ to conclude.