How to Perform a Permutation with Multiple Cycles

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To perform the permutation (1 2)(1 4 5)(2 3 4)(2 5) and arrive at (1 4)(3 5), one must explicitly map each element through the cycles. Starting with the first cycle, each number is tracked through the subsequent cycles to see where it ends up. For example, mapping 1 through each cycle reveals its final position, and this process is repeated for all elements. The final result is achieved by composing these mappings, allowing for the identification of the resulting cycles. Understanding this step-by-step mapping is crucial for solving permutations involving multiple cycles effectively.
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Homework Statement



(1 2) (1 4 5) (2 3 4) (2 5)= (1 4) (3 5)

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The Attempt at a Solution



Can someone explain to me how to do this permutation? I know it's the easiest thing to do but i just went blank! how did my professor get (1 4) (3 5)?
 
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start by writing out each step explicitly

eg for the permutation p = (25) you have
p(1) = 1
p(2) = 5
p(3) = 3
p(4) = 4
p(5) = 2

so this gives p as the following map
1 2 3 4 5
1 5 3 4 2

then similar for the next permutations, then either stack the maps or cualcte where each element ends up to get the effect of composition of several permutations and you should be able to read off the final result
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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