MHB Surjectivity for permutation representation of a group action

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the surjectivity of a homomorphism from the tetrahedral rotation group \( T \) to the permutation group \( S_4 \). The user outlines their proof attempt, demonstrating that \( T \) is isomorphic to \( A_4 \) and is injective, but struggles with surjectivity. It is established that \( f \) cannot be surjective since \( T \) has 12 elements while \( S_4 \) has 24 permutations. The conclusion is that \( T \) is isomorphic to a subgroup of \( S_4 \), specifically \( A_4 \), and that demonstrating surjectivity is unnecessary for the proof's purpose.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of group theory, specifically permutation groups.
  • Familiarity with the tetrahedral rotation group \( T \) and its properties.
  • Knowledge of homomorphisms and kernel concepts in group theory.
  • Basic understanding of the alternating group \( A_4 \) and its relationship with \( S_4 \).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the tetrahedral rotation group \( T \) and its action on sets.
  • Learn about the structure and properties of the alternating group \( A_4 \).
  • Investigate the concept of injective and surjective homomorphisms in group theory.
  • Explore subgroup structures within symmetric groups, particularly \( S_4 \).
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and researchers in abstract algebra, particularly those focusing on group theory and permutation representations. It is also useful for mathematicians interested in the properties of symmetry in geometric objects.

kalish1
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I am having trouble proving that my function is surjective. Here is the problem statement:

Problem statement: Let T be the tetrahedral rotation group. Use a suitable action of T on some set, and the permutation representation of this action, to show that T is isomorphic to a subgroup of $S_4$.

Outline of my attempt at a proof:

Let $S$ be the set of faces of the tetrahedron. There exists a homomorphism $f:T$ $\rightarrow$ (permutations of the faces). There are $4$ faces, so $|Perm(|4|)| = 24$. We want to show that $T$ is a bijection, and show the faithfulness of $f$. Well, $|Ker(f)|=1$, because no rotation fixes all faces. So $f$ is injective. Also, the class equation for $T$ is $12 = 1+3+4+4$, which admits no "subsums" to $6$, implying that there are no odd permutations because $T$ has no subgroup of index $2$. So $T \approx A_4$, which is a subgroup of $S_4$.

The thing that evades me is how to prove that $f$ is surjective?
 
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kalish said:
I am having trouble proving that my function is surjective. Here is the problem statement:

Problem statement: Let T be the tetrahedral rotation group. Use a suitable action of T on some set, and the permutation representation of this action, to show that T is isomorphic to a subgroup of $S_4$.

Outline of my attempt at a proof:

Let $S$ be the set of faces of the tetrahedron. There exists a homomorphism $f:T$ $\rightarrow$ (permutations of the faces). There are $4$ faces, so $|Perm(|4|)| = 24$. We want to show that $T$ is a bijection, and show the faithfulness of $f$. Well, $|Ker(f)|=1$, because no rotation fixes all faces. So $f$ is injective. Also, the class equation for $T$ is $12 = 1+3+4+4$, which admits no "subsums" to $6$, implying that there are no odd permutations because $T$ has no subgroup of index $2$. So $T \approx A_4$, which is a subgroup of $S_4$.

The thing that evades me is how to prove that $f$ is surjective?

It is not.
$T$ is isomorphic with $A_4$, which has 12 elements.
However, there are 24 permutations of the faces.
So f cannot be surjective.
Note that for instance the exchange of exactly 2 faces is not possible.
 
All you are required to do is show that $T$ is isomorphic to some SUBGROUP of $S_4$. In practical terms, this means finding a suitable set of 4 objects on which $T$ acts injectively. The 4 faces of the tetrahedron work just fine, and your proposed map is injective, so you are finished.

If you MUST prove surjectivity of SOMETHING, you need only show that there is a surjective map of $T$ onto $A_4$, which it appears you have already done, since $S_4$ has PRECISELY ONE subgroup of order 12.
 
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