The groups $G$ satisfying a functional equation $f(xk)=xf(x)$ for some $k\in G$

Abstract

We study the groups $G$ with the curious property that there exists an element $k\in G$ and a function $f:G\to G$ such that $f(xk)=xf(x)$ holds for all $x\in G$. This property arose from the study of near-rings and input-output automata on groups. We call a group with this property a $J$-group. Finite $J$-groups must have odd order, and hence are solvable. We prove that every finite nilpotent group of odd order is a $J$-group if its nilpotency class $c$ satisfies $c\le 6$. If $G$ is a finite $p$-group, with $p>2$ and $p^2>2c-1$, then we prove that $G$ is $J$-group. Finally, if $p>2$ and $G$ is a regular $p$-group or, more generally, a power-closed one (i.e., in each section and for each $m\ge 1$ the subset of $p^m$-th powers is a subgroup), then we prove that $G$ is a $J$-group.

Reworded first sentence of Introduction. To appear Journal of Group Theory