Skip to main content
1 of 2
THC
  • 4.5k
  • 21
  • 33

Generating $\mathbf{PGL}_2(\mathbb{Z})$ and $\mathbf{PGL}_2(\mathbb{Q})$

It is well known that $\mathbf{PGL}_2(\mathbb{Z})$ is finitely generated, and that $\mathbf{PGL}_2(\mathbb{Q})$ isn't. My question is: what is a fast, natural way to see these properties without explicit construction of generators ?

For instance, do (some) generating properties of an integral domain (or division ring) $D$ carry over to $\mathbf{PGL}_2(D)$ ?

THC
  • 4.5k
  • 21
  • 33