Prove that $S_n$ is isomorphic to a subgroup of $A_{n+2}$

Question

Induction on $n$:

If $n=1$, then $A_{n+2}=A_{3} \simeq \mathbb{Z}_3$ has subgroup $1 \simeq S_n = S_1$. Assume for some $n>1$, $S_n \simeq H$ for some $H \leq A_{n+2}$. I want to show that $S_{n+1} \simeq H'$ for some $H'\leq A_{n+3}$.

Note that $H \simeq S_n \leq S_{n+1}$, and by inductive hypothesis $H \leq A_{n+2} \leq A_{n+3}$. I guess if I can show that $S_{n+1} \simeq A_{n+2}$ then it will complete the proof, but I don't even know if that is a true statement.

the "result" you are using is clearly false, just compare the orders of $A_{n+2}$ and $S_{n+1}$ — Asinomás, Jun 02 '17 at 00:07

score 17 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 02 '17 at 00:08

17

Send $\sigma \mapsto \sigma$ if $\sigma$ is an even permutation. Let $\tau = (n+1 \, \, \, n+2)$ and send $\sigma \mapsto \sigma \tau $ for odd $\sigma$. This injects $S_n \to A_{n+2}$ and is a homorphism.

answered Jun 02 '17 at 00:08

Zain Patel

16,802

score 5 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 02 '17 at 00:18

5

$A_{n+2}$ is the group of all even permutations of $\{1,2,\dots,n+2\}.$ Let $H$ be the subgroup of $A_{n+2}$ consisting of all permutations that leave the sets $\{1,2,\dots,n\}$ and $\{n+1,n+2\}$ fixed. Show that the obvious map $H\to S_n$ is an isomorphism.

answered Jun 02 '17 at 00:18

bof

78,265

Hi!!! I have been looking for solution of this problem that $S_{n} $ is isomorphic to $A_{n+2} $ on the website and I am unable to understand any answer . It's my Humble request if you can explain a bid detailed in comments how it should be an isomorphism by proving in detail. I shall be really thankful to you. – Aug 04 '20 at 08:39

Prove that $S_n$ is isomorphic to a subgroup of $A_{n+2}$

2 Answers2