1. Introduction
In this paper, it has been conjectured on the basis of current knowledge that the class of Monotileable amenable groups consists precisely of all groups G which do not possess a subgroup isomorphic to the free group on two generators. In this paper, we will not settle this conjecture. However, this work is motivated by a desire to give an algebraic description of the class of all amenable groups. In an attempt to determine which varieties of groups consist entirely of amenable groups, the notion of a uniformly amenable group is introduced. We derive results indicating the relationships between varieties and uniformly amenable groups. An action of a discrete group G on a set X is said to be amenable if there exists a finitely additive probability measure:
, henceforth called a mean, defined on the power set of X, which is invariant under the action of G [1] [2].
1.1. Varieties of Groups
We present here some of the ideas and results necessary in the sequel. Further information can be obtained by consulting [3].
Let X {xi: i is a positive integer} be an alphabet. Let Xm be the free group of rank n generated by
and let
be the free group generated by X. If
, we will often write
to denote w.
If G is any group and al, as
, then by
for
. We mean
where a is the unique homomorphism from
into G with
for
.
A word
is called an identical relation or a law for a group G if and only if
for every
in G. A law is called trivial if it is satisfied by all groups and this happens if and only if
.
A variety of groups is the class of all groups satisfying each law in a given set of laws. If
then we denote by
the variety of all groups for which the words in L are laws.
We mention few examples of varieties. The class of all abelian groups is obviously
. For any positive integer t the class of all solvable groups of derived length ≤ t form variety, the variety
is called the Burnside variety of exponent m. The class of all groups is variety we will denote by
. A reduced free group in variety is group with a set of generators S such that any map from S into group in V can be extended to homomorphism.
For any cardinal number h, V contains reduced free group with h generators. For every natural number n,
will denote reduced free group with n generators. A reduced free group with countably infinite set of generators will be denoted by
[1] [3].
The Cartesian product of
of groups will be denoted by
and the direct product will be denoted by
. The direct product of a countably infinite number of groups isomorphic to a group G will be denoted by
.
Let V be a variety of groups. A set of groups
is said to discriminate V if and only if for every finite set of words W in
which are not laws for V there exists
and elements
such that
for any
. (n is some integer for which
.) Put another way any finite set of nonlaws for V can be simultaneously falsified.
The set of all varieties of groups is partially ordered under inclusion. It is a complete lattice where
. The variety generated by u class of groups
is denoted by
and defined by
.
Multiplication can be defined on varieties where UV is the variety of all extensions of groups in U by groups in V [2] [3].
1.2. Lemma
Let V be a variety of groups and let
be a set of groups contained in V. Let M be a full structure whose individuals include all elements of all groups in
all elements of
and all natural numbers. Let
be an enlargement of M. Then
discriminates V if and only if
is isomorphic to a subgroup of a group
.
Proof. Suppose
discriminates V.
If W is a finite set of nonlaws for V and
then there exists
and
such that
for any
.
Now let
consist of all nonlaws for V. Let E be a *-finite subset of
such that
and let e
be chosen so that
.
Since every element of Y is a nonlaw for V so is every element of E. We get:
There exists
and
such that
for every
. In particular the only relations on the elements
are identities for V and so the group they generate is free reduced on an infinite set of generators and so
is certainly isomorphic to a subgroup of D.
On the other hand suppose
does not discriminate V. Then there is a finite set W of nonlaws for V which cannot be simultaneously falsified in any
. Suppose
. We have:
If
and
then there exists
with
So, if
and
then there exists
with
That is, every n element in any group in
satisfies a relation which is not a law for V. So
is not isomorphic to a subgroup of D for any
and the proof is complete [3].
2. How to Build Amenable Groups
. Groups are assumed countable and discrete.
2.1. Definition
(Fϕlner, 1955) A group Γ is amenable if and only if there exists a Fϕlner sequence, i.e. a sequence of finite sets
such that for all [4]
,
.
2.2. Example
Here are a few basic examples:
• A finite group is amenable, take
for all n. Then
and
.
• A direct union of finite groups is amenable
. An element
is a sequence
, so that for some
(depending on
),
,
. Take
, then for any
for n large enough. So
for n large enough.
•
is amenable. Take
. Without loss of generality, one can comp-ute only
. Then
.
When the graph is finitely generated by a set for S between
. A first useful lemma that reduces some computation is [1] [4].
2.3. Lemma
Assume Γ is finitely generated. A sequence
is Fϕlner if and only if
.
The proof is left as an exercise. An isoperimetric profile for the group is an increasing function
such that
so that for any finite set
. Amenable groups are groups with sub linear
.
In L. Saloff-Coste’s lectures it was shown that growth of balls which is ≥
implies
works. However, putting
is a risky business: there are groups which are amenable but have growth faster than any polynomial (e.g.
from C. Pittet’s lecture). It’s an easy exercise to show
is optimal for
[2].
Actually one can easily show that groups with “slow” volume growth are amenable. Recall a group is of sub exponential growth if
for some (increasing) function
satisfying
.
2.4. Proposition
Let Γ be a [finitely generated] group of sub exponential growth, then Γ is amenable.
Proof: The number of edges in
is at most the number of vertices in the sphere of radius
times the maximal degree of a vertex,
.
The claim is that there is some sequence of integers
so that
tends to 0. If this is the case, then
would be a Fϕlner sequence. So assume there are no such sequences, or, in other words that
such that
,
. This implies that
.
This a contradiction with
. Hence the desired subsequence exists and Γ is amenable.
Note that it is highly non-trivial to see whether the sequence of all balls works. This turns out to be true in nilpotent groups. It is open in a group of intermediate growth.
The converse of proposition 1.4 is not true:
is amenable but has exponential growth.
Proposition 1.4 gives many groups without too much effort. The next theorem is useful to build groups out of known amenable groups [4].
2.5. Theorem
(“The closure properties” 3)
Let Γ, N and
be amenable groups.
1) If H is a subgroup4 of Γ then H is amenable “Subgroup”.
2) If H is an extension N by Γ (
) is an exact sequence) then H is amenable “Extension”.
3) If
then
is amenable “Quotient”.
4) If H is a direct limit of the
then H is amenable “Direct limit”.
It’s perfectly possible to prove these properties from the current definition of amenability. It turns out to be much easier to use the most convenient of the many equivalent definition of amenability to do this. But before moving to these considerations, it’s nice to wander a bit [3].
2.6. Definition
A group is called elementarily amenable (short notation: EA) if it is obtained by (many) applications of the closure properties 1)-4) starting from the following class of groups: finite groups and Z. F Day asked whether “amenable” = EA (“Day’s conjecture”). Here are two important facts about EA groups [3] [5].
3. Assumption
Since H denotes a Lie group, the ideas here are important even in the special case where H is discrete [5].
3.1. Definition [4]
A group Γ is amenable is there exists a state
on
which is invariant under the left translation action: for all
and
,
.
Hence we can construct further examples from finite and abelian groups.
3.2. Example
Suppose Γ is finitely generated by
. One can then consider the Cayley graph of Γ where vertices are group elements and edges connecting two group elements imply they differ by one of the generators in S. We place a metric on this graph by letting
by counting the “word length” of
. A property of interest is how
, the ball centered at the identity element of radius r, varies with r; that is, the growth rate of the group [5].
It turns out that groups with sub exponential growth are always amenable.
3.3. Example
is non-amenable: let
be the two generators then let
is the set of all words starting with a.
is the set of all words starting with
, and we define
similarly. Lastly, we set
. We note that we can decompose
in the three following ways:
If we had a state
on
which was invariant under left translation then we would obtain:
a contradiction [3] [5].
Our goal is to prove the following theorem:
3.4. Theorem [5]
For Γ+ a discrete group, the following are equivalent:
1) Γ is amenable;
2) Γ has an approximate invariant mean;
3) Γ satisfies the Fϕlner condition;
4) The trivial representation
is weakly contained in the regular representation
(i.e., there exist unit vectors
) such that
for all
),
5) There exists a net (φ) of finitely supported positive definite functions on Γ, with
for each i, such that
point wise;
6)
;
7)
has a character (i.e., one-dimensional representation);
8) for any finite subset
, we have
(1)
The main obstacle to proving this theorem is that we don’t understand what most of it is saying. Consequently we’ll parse the theorem as we go (rather than drowning the reader in definitions). The plan is to prove the cycle (1 2 3 4 5 6 7) and then (4 8). We shall additionally prove (4) ⟹ (6) in case the reader finds condition (5) distasteful [4].
3.5. Definition [4]
For a discrete group Γ, let Prob(Γ) be the space of all probability measures on Γ:
. (2)
Then we say Γ has an approximate invariant mean if for any finite subset
and
, there exists
such that
(3)
Proof of (1) ⟹ (2). Let μ be an invariant mean on
. We claim there is a net
which converges to μ weak* as elements of
. Suppose not, then
and since Prob(Γ) is convex the Hahn-Banach separation theorem implies there is some
and
such that
for all
. Upon replacing f with
we obtain
. Then replacing f with
ensures that
. Consequently
and yet
(4)
a contradiction.
Hence we can find a net
in Prob(Γ) which converges to μ in the weak* topology. Thus for each
and
we know
. But since the
, this is equivalent to saying they converge weakly to zero in
. Thus for any finite
, the weak closure of the convex subset
contains 0. As a convex set, the weak and norm closures coincide by the Hahn-Banach theorem. Hence given
we can find
such that
(5)
Hence we have an approximate invariant mean [3].
3.6. Definition [5]
We say Γ satisfies the Fϕlner condition if for any finite
and
, there exists a finite subset
such that
(6)
That is, the action of E does not move F around “too much.” Furthermore, a sequence of finite sets
such that
(7)
is called a Fϕlner sequence.
Proof of (2) ⟹ (3). Fix a finite subset
and
. Since we have an approximate invariant mean we can find
such that
(8)
Given a positive function
and
, we define a set
. Now, note that for a pair of positive functions
and
,
if and only if r lies between the numbers
and
. Furthermore, if f and h are bounded above by 1 then it follows that
(9)
We apply this to
and
to get
(10)
Also, we have
(11)
Thus
(12)
So for some r we must have
Letting
we are done.
For the next implication we will ignore the first version of the statement and instead focus on the later, equivalent condition. We only need to understand the left regular representation. This is a homomorphism
where the image of
is denoted
and for
.
Proof of (3) ⇒ (4). From the Fϕlner condition build a Fϕlner sequence (
) (by letting
) set
. Then
are unit vectors and
(13)
3.7. Definition [6]
A function
is called positive definite if the matrix
is positive for every finite set
.
Proof (4) ⟹ (5). For a unit vector
, define
. Then we claim that φ is positive definite. Indeed,
(14)
Let
, and fix
. It suffices to show:
(15)
and so
(16)
Hence
is positive definite. So letting
be the unit vectors from condition (4) and setting
we know
and from our above work that these functions are positive definite. From condition (4) we also know that they converge pointwise to 1. In order to make them finitely supported we need merely replace the
with finitely supported elements.
Starting with a discrete group Γ we can consider the group algebra
with addition and multiplication defined in the obvious ways and an involution defined by
. (17)
We want to extend this into a C*-algebra, but there are multiple norms we use. On the one hand we can extend the left regular representation λ to a *-representation of
on
, still denoted by λ, by
. (18)
The reduced C*-algebra is then what we obtain by taking the closure of
with respect to
, we denote it by
. On the other hand, the left regular representation
is merely one representation of our group. Hence we can consider the norm
This easily satisfies the C*-identity. The full (or universal) C*-algebra of Γ is the closure of
with respect to
and is denoted
[2].
Thus assuming (5) we’ll need to show that these two C*-algebras coincide. But we first note that since
for
,
extends to
. It is clear that this is onto
[7].
3.8. Definition [6]
Let
be a function. The associated multiplier
is defined by
. (19)
We also define
by
. (20)
3.9. Lemma
Suppose
is finitely supported, positive definite, and
. Then
extends to a continuous map on
and
extends to a continuous map on
. both with norm one.
Proof. First consider the case when
(i.e.
if
and
otherwise). Let
for
, then τ is a tracial state. For
we compute:
. (21)
Hence we can extend
to
with norm one.
Let
for
, then
is a tracial state. For
we compute:
. (22)
so that
extends to
with norm one.
Next consider the case
for
. Since
(23)
we see that
again extends to
with norm one. A similar computation for
involving
yields an extension in the reduced C*-algebra case as well.
Thus for a finitely supported
we can write
and so
. Extending each of the finitely many
yields an extension for
. But since
is positive definite,
is positive and hence attains its norm at the identity:
. A similar argument applies in the reduced C*-algebra case.
Proof of (5) ⟹ (6). By our previous comments, we know
is onto and hence it remains to show λ is injective.
Let
be the net in condition (5). By the above lemma, we can define multipliers
and
on
and
respectively, each with norm one. We note that
on
since both functions are continuous and agree on the dense subspace
. Now, since
pointwise on Γ,
for
. Since the norms of the
are uniformly bounded by one and
is dense in
, this limit holds for
as well.
Now, suppose
and
. Then
, (24)
for every i. But since
is finitely supported we know
and hence
implies
. Hence
and so
is injective.
Proof of (6) ⟹ (7).
always has a one-dimensional representation since the trivial representation
is always subordinate to
. Hence
has a character.
We require a lemma:
4. Definition [6]
Suppose H acts continuously on a locally convex topological vector space
. Every H-invariant, compact, convex subset of
is called a compact, convex H-space.
4.1. Definition
H is amenable if and only if H has a fixed point in every nonempty, compact, convex H-space. This is just one of many different equivalent definetions of amenability. The equivalence of these diverse definitions is a testament to the fact that this notion is very fundamental [6].
4.2. Remarks
1) All locally convex topological vector spaces are assumed to be Hausdorff.
2) In most applications, the locally convex space V is the dual of a separable Banach space, with the weak* topology [6].
In this situation, every compact, convex subset C is second countable, and is therefore metrizability. With these thoughts in mind, we feel free to assume metrizability when it eliminates technical difficulties in our proofs. In fact, we could restrict to these spaces in the definition of amenability, because it turns out that this modified definition results in exactly the same class of groups.
3) The choice of the term “amenable” seems to have been motivated by two considerations:
a) The word “amenable” can be pronounced “a-MEAN-able,” and we will see that a group is amenable if and only if it admits certain types of means.
b) One definition of “amenable” from the Oxford American Dictionary is capable of being acted on a particular way. “In other words, in colloquial English, something is \amenable” if it is easy to work with. Classical analysis has averaging theorems and other techniques that were developed for the study of functions on the group Rn. Many of these methods can be generalized to all amenable groups, so amenable groups are easy to work with [6].
5. Examples of Amenable Groups
1) Abelian groups are amenable.
2) Compact groups are amenable.
3) Solvable groups are amenable, because the class of amenable groups is closed under extensions.
4) Closed subgroups of amenable groups are amenable.
On the other hand, however, it is important to realize that not all groups are amenable. In particular, we will see that:
a) nonabelian free groups are not amenable, and
b)
is not amenable.
We begin by showing that Z is amenable [8].
5.1. Proposition
Cyclic groups are amenable.
Proof. Assume
is cyclic. Given a nonempty, compact, convex
H-space C, choose some
. For
, let
(25)
Since C is compact, the sequence
must have an accumulation point.
. It is not difficult to see that c is fixed by. Since T generates H, this means that c is a fixed point for H.
5.2. Corollary
(Kakutani-Markov Fixed Point Theorem). Every abelian group is amenable.
Proof. Let us assume
is a 2-generated abelian group. [5] If C is any nonempty, compact, convex H-space, then Proposition 2.1 implies that the set
of fixed points of g is nonempty. It is easy to see that
is compact and convex, and, because H is abelian, that
is invariant under h. Hence,
is a nonempty, compact, convex
-space. Therefore, Pro-position2.1 implies that h has a fixed point c in
. Now c is fixed by g, and c is fixed by h, so c is fixed by
[8].
Compact groups are also easy to work with.
5.3. Proposition
Compact groups are amenable.
Proof. Assume H is compact, and let μ be a Haar measure on H. Given a nonempty, compact, convex H-space C, choose some
. Since μ is a probability measure, we may let probability measure, we may let
(26)
The H-invariance of μ implies that c is a fixed point for H).
It is easy to show that amenable extensions of amenable groups are amenable here, Let
be an extension of (discrete) groups, where N and Q are amenable [9].
6. Invariant Probability Measures
6.1. Definitions
Let X be a complete metric space.
1) A measure μ on X is a probability measure if
. A probability measure is a measure with total measure one,
. A probability space is a measure space with a probability measure. For measure spaces that are also topological spaces various compatibility conditions can be placed for the measure and the topology.
2) Prob(X) denotes the space of all probability measures on X. Any measure on X is also a measure on the one-point compact fication X+ of X, so, if X is locally compact, then the Riesz Representation Theorem tells us that every finite measure on X can be thought of as a linear functional on the Banach space
of continuous functions on X+. This implies that Prob(X) is a subset of the closed unit ball in the dual space
, and therefore has a weak* topology. If X is compact, then the Banach-Alaoglu Theorem (B7.4) tells us that Prob(X) is compact [9].
6.2. Example
If a group H acts continuously on a compact, metrizable space X, then Prob(X) is a compact, convex H-space [9].
6.3. Remark
Recall that a compact, Hausdorff space is metrizable if and only if it is second countable, so requiring a compact, separable, Hausdorff space to be metrizable is not a strong restriction [9].
6.4. Proposition (1⇔3)
H is amenable if and only if for every continuous action of H on a compact, metrizable space X, there is an H-invariant probability measure μ on X.
Proof. (⟹)If H acts on X, and X is compact, then Prob(X) is a nonempty, compact, convex H-space. So H has a fixed point in Prob(X); this fixed point is the desired H-invariant measure. (⇐) Suppose C is a nonempty, compact, convex H-space. By replacing C with the closure of the convex hull of a single H-orbit, we may assume C is separable; then C is metrizable. Since H is amenable, this implies there is an H-invariant probability measure μ on C. Since C is convex and compact, the center of mass
(27)
belongs to C. Since μ is H-invariant, a simple calculation shows that p is H-invariant [9].
7. Invariant Means
7.1. Definition
Suppose
is some linear subspace of
, and assume
contains the constant function
that takes the value 1 at every point of H. A mean on
is a linear functional
on
, such that
, and
is positive, i.e.,
whenever
.
7.2. Remark
Any mean is a continuous linear functional; indeed,
.
It is easy to construct means.
7.3. Example
If
is any unit vector in
, and
is the left Haar measure on H, then defining
(28)
produces a mean (on any subspace of
that contains
). Means constructed in this way are (weakly) dense in the set of all means. Compact groups are the only ones with invariant probability measures, but invariant means exist more generally [10].
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the all library staff for the references that we use. We are also grateful to the professors who provided us with useful information in the author of this paper.