[Math] Subgroup of GL(2,Z) generated by two matrices.

group-theory

What is the subgroup of $GL_2(Z)$ generated by the matrices:

$\left(
\begin{smallmatrix}
1&1\\
0&1
\end{smallmatrix}
\right)
$
and
$\left(
\begin{smallmatrix}
0&1\\
1&0
\end{smallmatrix}
\right)?
$

I would like to know the name(s) of this group, references to it, as well as its well-known actions. I have found it to be difficult to look up online, and not discussed in texts.

Thank you!

Best Answer

The name of the group is $\text{GL}_2(\mathbf{Z})$.

Indeed, note that $$ \left( \begin{smallmatrix} 1&0\\ 1&1 \end{smallmatrix} \right)= \left( \begin{smallmatrix} 0&1\\ 1&0 \end{smallmatrix} \right) \left( \begin{smallmatrix} 1&1\\ 0&1 \end{smallmatrix} \right) \left( \begin{smallmatrix} 0&1\\ 1&0 \end{smallmatrix} \right),$$ and thus your group contains $\text{SL}_2(\mathbf{Z})$ (see, e.g., Corollary 2.6 in http://www.math.uconn.edu/~kconrad/blurbs/grouptheory/SL%282,Z%29.pdf). On the other hand, your group is not contained in $\text{SL}_2(\mathbf{Z})$, and since $[\text{GL}_2(\mathbf{Z}):\text{SL}_2(\mathbf{Z})]=2$ your group must be $\text{GL}_2(\mathbf{Z})$.