Go back
The study of symmetry

The study of symmetry

Science

S

Joined
26 Nov 07
Moves
1085
Clock
27 Aug 08
Vote Up
Vote Down

I know that in mathematics, Group Theory is the formal study of symmetry. However, having done quite a lot of group theory I am left with this question:

How?

I understand that the dihedral groups, and subgroups thereof, represent symmetries wonderfully. But, for instance, what would be represented by the Symmetric groups? would it be some n-dimensional object (where the symmetric group is S_n)?

f
Quack Quack Quack !

Chesstralia

Joined
18 Aug 03
Moves
54533
Clock
28 Aug 08
1 edit
Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by Swlabr
... would it be some n-dimensional object (where the symmetric group is S_n)?
You might have some grasp of group theory ... but your simple arithmetic has slipped just a little:

S3 is like a 2d triangle,
and
S4 is like a 3d cube.

f
Quack Quack Quack !

Chesstralia

Joined
18 Aug 03
Moves
54533
Clock
28 Aug 08
Vote Up
Vote Down

You could be meaning: Sn is symmetric in the same way as a regular (n-1) simplex.

S

Joined
26 Nov 07
Moves
1085
Clock
28 Aug 08
Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by flexmore
You might have some grasp of group theory ... but your simple arithmetic has slipped just a little:

S3 is like a 2d triangle,
and
S4 is like a 3d cube.
Numbers: a mathematicians greatest weakness.

S

Joined
26 Nov 07
Moves
1085
Clock
28 Aug 08
Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by flexmore
You might have some grasp of group theory ... but your simple arithmetic has slipped just a little:

S3 is like a 2d triangle,
and
S4 is like a 3d cube.
Yes-that makes sense. Thanks for that.

Cookies help us deliver our Services. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.