Discussion about math, puzzles, games and fun. Useful symbols: ÷ × ½ √ ∞ ≠ ≤ ≥ ≈ ⇒ ± ∈ Δ θ ∴ ∑ ∫ • π ƒ -¹ ² ³ °
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You are not logged in. #1 2009-05-20 02:48:48
The Feit–Thompson theoremOkay, I only just found out what it is. All groups of odd order are soluble (or solvable). Let be a finite group of composite odd order (so it’s soluble by Feit–Thompson). We may assume that is not Abelian, since we all know that any Abelian group of composite order is not simple. Since it is not Abelian, its derived subgroup is not trvial. Also cannot be all of otherwise for all whereas being soluble means that must be trivial after a finite number of derivations. Hence the commutator subgroup of is a nontrivial and proper normal subgroup, proving that is not simple. There. That was not really heavy machinery, was it? #2 2009-05-20 03:06:40
Re: The Feit–Thompson theorem
That solvability of composite order implies nonsimplicity is not, no. In fact, it becomes more obvious when you use the decomposition series that comes from being solvable. On the other hand, Feit-Thompson's theorem required 255 pages of heavy machinery to prove. I'm not sure of any proofs discovered since then, so perhaps it has become shorter with time. "In the real world, this would be a problem. But in mathematics, we can just define a place where this problem doesn't exist. So we'll go ahead and do that now..." #3 2009-05-20 03:14:34
Re: The Feit–Thompson theorem
Oh, that puts a different complexion on the matter then. #4 2009-05-20 05:54:45
Re: The Feit–Thompson theoremThought I read about a 1000 page proof in group theory. Andy's is 200, this is 250. What ever happened to the Greeks drive for simplicity? In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them. Probability is the most important concept in modern science, especially as nobody has the slightest notion what it means. 90% of mathematicians do not understand 90% of currently published mathematics. #5 2009-05-20 06:44:07
Re: The Feit–Thompson theoremThe first half of the Jordan-Holder program is estimated at 10,000 pages. "In the real world, this would be a problem. But in mathematics, we can just define a place where this problem doesn't exist. So we'll go ahead and do that now..." |