Let be the order of a group element , allowing . For finite , take ; for infinite , take . Set
The normal form theorem for a free product embeds both factors, so is a free factor. The cyclic subgroup has order , just as does. Hence is a well-defined group isomorphism , and we may form the HNN extension
The single displayed conjugacy relation implements the full cyclic isomorphism by taking integer powers. Britton's lemma embeds in , so the original is preserved. Now take
Cancellation of successive gives . This proves the adjoining a root by an HNN extension construction and all required embedding claims. If , then , , and ; the HNN relation is vacuous and the same calculation gives . The construction also works for . It uses the actual order of as an existence parameter, not an algorithm for determining an unknown order.