# Lie Groups: Identity Component

Main Problem

Given a Lie group.

The connected component of the identity is a Lie subgroup:

1. It is a subgroup.

2. It is open.

How to check this using topological tools?

Extra Problem

The quotient by the above is the group of connected components: $$G_e\lhd G:\quad (gG_e)(hG_e)=(ghG_e)=G_{gh}$$

How to check this using topological tools?

-
What have you tried? Also, for a) should $x_0$ be $x$? –  Alex Becker Aug 18 '12 at 20:56
I don't understand 2. Are you sure you want $\subsetneq$, not $\subseteq$ (in fact you have equality)? The first two properties immediately follow from connectedness and continuity of the maps involved. The fourth follows directly from 1.,2.,3. It remains to ponder 3. –  t.b. Aug 18 '12 at 20:59
yes, In the question paper it was proper inclusion –  La Belle Noiseuse Aug 18 '12 at 21:03
Then it is wrong. Was it $\subset$? Note that many people allow equality when writing $\subset$. Consider some examples, like $O(2)$ and $O(3)$, or whatever Lie group you understand well. –  t.b. Aug 18 '12 at 21:04
Or simply consider any connected Lie group to see that 2 is wrong. –  Alex Becker Aug 18 '12 at 21:05