Group S3: Irreducible vs Reducible Representation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the irreducible and reducible representations of the symmetric group S3. The irreducible representation is defined by matrices e, a, b, c, d, and f, while the reducible representation is characterized by matrices e, d, and f being equal to the identity matrix. It is established that irreducible representations are preferred in practice due to their efficiency in simplifying complex group actions and computations, making them essential for theoretical and applied mathematics.

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  • Familiarity with matrix representation and linear algebra
  • Knowledge of irreducible and reducible representations
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LagrangeEuler
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Homework Statement


##e = \begin{bmatrix}
1 & 0 \\[0.3em]
0 & 1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##,
##a =\frac{1}{2} \begin{bmatrix}
1 & -\sqrt{3} \\[0.3em]
-\sqrt{3} & -1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##.
##b =\frac{1}{2} \begin{bmatrix}
1 & \sqrt{3} \\[0.3em]
\sqrt{3} & -1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
##c= \begin{bmatrix}
-1 & 0 \\[0.3em]
0 & 1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
##d=\frac{1}{2} \begin{bmatrix}
-1 & \sqrt{3} \\[0.3em]
-\sqrt{3} & -1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
##f=\frac{1}{2} \begin{bmatrix}
-1 & -\sqrt{3} \\[0.3em]
\sqrt{3} & -1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
This is irreducible representation of group ##S_3##. \\
Reducible representation of ##S_3## is
##e=d=f = \begin{bmatrix}
1 & 0 \\[0.3em]
0 & 1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
##a =b=c=\frac{1}{2} \begin{bmatrix}
-1 & -\sqrt{3} \\[0.3em]
-\sqrt{3} & 1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
Why is better to use irreducible then reducible representation in this case and in general?
 
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What do you mean by "better to use?" You haven't used any representations to do anything.
 
In practice one always take some irreducible representation to work with. My question is why?
 

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