For a finite simple group with a subgroup of index , the coset action is nontrivial and its kernel is a normal subgroup, hence trivial. Its sign homomorphism must also be trivial: otherwise simplicity would give an isomorphism to , which cannot act transitively on at least three points. Thus the image lies in the alternating group. In particular Lagrange's theorem gives . This can exclude simplicity with very little counting: a group of order has a subgroup of index seven by Sylow theorems, but does not divide .

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