Finite groups with few character values

Abstract

A classical theorem on character degrees states that if a finite group has fewer than four character degrees, then the group is solvable. We prove a corresponding result on character values by showing that if a finite group has fewer than eight character values in its character table, then the group is solvable. This confirms a conjecture of T. Sakurai. We also classify non-solvable groups with exactly eight character values.

5 pages