Permutation Group Calculator

Explore permutation products, cycles, inversions, and sign instantly. Check orders, fixed points, and orbit-style behavior. Generate graphs, tables, and exports for deeper algebra insight.

Results

Composition rule used: A ∘ B means apply B first, then A.

Permutation Summary

Name One-Line Cycle Notation Order Parity Inversions Fixed Points Support Cycle Type

Generated Group Details

Mapping Graph

Calculator Inputs

Enter permutations in one-line form like 2 3 1 5 4 or cycle form like (1 2 3)(4 5). Leave permutation B blank to use the identity.

Use values from 2 to 10.
One-line or cycle notation.
Blank means identity permutation.
Negative powers use inverses.
Zero returns the identity.
Larger limits improve exact closure checks.

Example Data Table

Example Degree Permutation A Permutation B Order(A) Order(B) Generated Group Size
Example 1 4 (1 2)(3 4) (1 2 3 4) 2 4 8
Example 2 4 (1 2 3) (1 2) 3 2 6
Example 3 5 (1 2 3)(4 5) (2 4)(3 5) 6 2 120

Formula Used

1) Composition

For permutations σ and τ, the calculator uses (σ ∘ τ)(i) = σ(τ(i)). This means the right permutation acts first.

2) Inverse

If σ(i) = j, then σ-1(j) = i. The inverse undoes the original mapping.

3) Order of a Permutation

If the cycle lengths are l₁, l₂, ..., lᵣ, then ord(σ) = lcm(l₁, l₂, ..., lᵣ).

4) Inversion Count

For one-line notation [σ(1), σ(2), ..., σ(n)], inversions are pairs (i, j) with i < j and σ(i) > σ(j).

5) Parity

The sign is sgn(σ) = (-1)inv(σ). Even inversion count gives an even permutation. Odd inversion count gives an odd permutation.

6) Fixed Points and Support

A fixed point satisfies σ(i) = i. Support size equals n - fixed points.

7) Generated Subgroup

The calculator enumerates closure from ⟨A, B⟩ using compositions of A, B, and their inverses, subject to the search limit.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the degree n of your permutation set.
  2. Type permutation A and optionally permutation B.
  3. Use one-line or cycle notation.
  4. Set exponents for Ak and Bm.
  5. Choose a subgroup search limit for closure checks.
  6. Click Calculate Permutation Group.
  7. Review orders, parity, inversions, fixed points, support, orbits, and compositions.
  8. Use CSV or PDF export to save your report.

FAQs

1) What notation can I enter?

You can enter one-line notation such as 2 3 1 5 4 or cycle notation such as (1 2 3)(4 5). Both forms are accepted for each permutation field.

2) What does A ∘ B mean here?

This calculator uses the standard right-to-left rule. It applies B first and then A. That convention is shown above the results table.

3) How is the order calculated?

The order is the least common multiple of all nontrivial cycle lengths. For example, a permutation with cycle lengths 3 and 2 has order 6.

4) How is parity found?

Parity comes from the inversion count of the one-line form. An even number of inversions gives an even permutation. An odd number gives an odd permutation.

5) What is the subgroup search limit for?

The limit prevents excessively large closure searches. If the generated subgroup reaches the limit, the size shown becomes a lower bound instead of an exact total.

6) Can I leave permutation B empty?

Yes. A blank B field is treated as the identity permutation. That is useful when you only want a detailed analysis of one permutation.

7) What does the graph show?

The Plotly graph compares mapping outputs for A, B, A ∘ B, and B ∘ A across all positions from 1 to n. It helps visualize permutation action patterns.

8) Why might two permutations be conjugate?

Inside the symmetric group on the same degree, two permutations are conjugate exactly when they have the same cycle structure, including fixed points.

Notes

Practical tip: Exact subgroup size is easiest for smaller degrees. For larger inputs, raise the search limit carefully to avoid heavy browser work.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.