In mathematics, a trivial group is a group consisting of a single element. All such groups are isomorphic, so one often speaks of the trivial group. The single element of the trivial group is the identity element and so it is usually denoted as such: 0, 1 or e depending on the context. If the group operation is denoted ∗ then it is defined by e ∗ e = e.
The trivial group should not be confused with the empty set (which has no elements, and lacking an identity element, cannot be a group).
Given any group G, the group consisting of only the identity element is a trivial group and being a subgroup of G is called the trivial subgroup of G.
The term, when referred to "G has no non-trivial subgroups" refers to the fact that all subgroups of G are the trivial group {e} and the group G itself.
Read more about Trivial Group: Properties
Famous quotes containing the words trivial and/or group:
“Men of genius are not quick judges of character. Deep thinking and high imagining blunt that trivial instinct by which you and I size people up.”
—Max Beerbohm (1872–1956)
“It’s important to remember that feminism is no longer a group of organizations or leaders. It’s the expectations that parents have for their daughters, and their sons, too. It’s the way we talk about and treat one another. It’s who makes the money and who makes the compromises and who makes the dinner. It’s a state of mind. It’s the way we live now.”
—Anna Quindlen (20th century)