We give a uniform construction that, on input of a recursive presentation $P$ of a group, outputs a recursive presentation of a torsion-free group, isomorphic to $P$ whenever $P$ is itself torsion-free. We use this to re-obtain a known result, the existence of a universal finitely presented torsion-free group; one into which all finitely presented torsion-free groups embed. We apply our techniques to show that recognising embeddability of finitely presented groups is $\Pi^{0}_{2}$-hard, $\Sigma^{0}_{2}$-hard, and lies in $\Sigma^{0}_{3}$. We also show that the sets of orders of torsion elements of finitely presented groups are precisely the $\Sigma^{0}_{2}$ sets which are closed under taking factors.

On torsion in finitely presented groups

We give a complete survey of a construction by Boone and Collins for embedding any finitely presented group into one with $8$ generators and $26$ relations. We show that this embedding preserves the set of orders of torsion elements, and in particular torsion-freeness. We combine this with the independent results of Belegradek and Chiodo to prove that there is an $8$-generator $26$-relator universal finitely presented torsion-free group (one into which all finitely presented torsion-free groups embed).

Preserving torsion orders when embedding into groups with `small' finite presentations

For a set $X\subseteq \mathbb{N}$, we define the $X$-torsion of a group $G$ to be all elements $g\in G$ with $g^{n}=e$ for some $n\in X$. With $X$ recursively enumerable, we give two independent proofs (group-theoretic, and model-theoretic) that there exists a universal finitely presented $X$-torsion-free group; one which contains all finitely presented $X$-torsion-free groups. We also show that, if $X$ is recursively enumerable, then the set of finite presentations of $X$-torsion-free groups is $\Pi_{2}^{0}$-complete in Kleene's arithmetic hierarchy.

Zachiri McKenzie

Papers

$X$-torsion and universal groups