Having a brain fart about permutations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of permutations, specifically the operation of combining two permutations (12) and (13) and the resulting permutation (132). Participants are exploring the conventions of applying permutations and how they affect the outcome.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the order of applying permutations, questioning whether they should be applied right to left or left to right. There are suggestions to test the permutations on a specific set of elements to verify the results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with various interpretations of the permutation application conventions being explored. Some participants suggest that the original poster should clarify which convention is being used in their class for further assistance.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of differing conventions in permutation application, with some texts supporting right to left and others left to right. The original poster's confusion may stem from these differing conventions.

semidevil
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ok, very very simple, but I cannot for the life of me remember this.

why is (12)(13) = 132? I can't work it out...
 
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Why? Because it's not!

P.S. I recommend BEANO for your condition. :-)
 
Mmm, your permutations are applied right to left? I think Tide goes the other way, left to right...not that there's anything wrong with that of course.

If in doubt, apply your lhs and rhs permutations to 123 and see what heppens. Both sides should give the same permutation.
 
If you start with 3 elements, say (A, B, C) then (12) places A in the second position but (13) does not affect the element in the second position so the result must start with (12... Yes, this is "left-right" which I believe is the convention.
 
Tide said:
IYes, this is "left-right" which I believe is the convention.

I don't think it's as conventional as other conventions though. :-p

All the texts I have handy work right to left, though a few mention that left to right is also common. I'd wager semidevil's going right to left since it works for his problem.
 
Shmoe,

I suppose some conventions are more conventional than others! :wink:

In any case, semidevil should be following the "conventions" prescribed in his class and he might inform us which one they are using if he/she expects further assistance.
 

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