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Is the S3S_3 permutation action faithful?

Yes, the S3S_3 permutation action on A={x1,x2,x3}A = \{x_1, x_2, x_3\} is faithful because its kernel is {1}\{1\}, the singleton containing only the identity element.

Conditions

  • G=S3G = S_3, the symmetric group of degree 3.
  • A={x1,x2,x3}A = \{x_1, x_2, x_3\}.
  • The action is defined by σxi=xσ(i)\sigma x_i = x_{\sigma(i)}.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the S3S_3 permutation action on AA.
  2. Determine the kernel of this action, which is the set of all σ∈S3\sigma \in S_3 such that σxi=xi\sigma x_i = x_i for all i∈{1,2,3}i \in \{1, 2, 3\}.
  3. The only permutation that fixes all elements is the identity permutation, so the kernel is {1}\{1\}.
  4. Conclude that the action is faithful.

Example

The lecturer states, 'with some experiments you will find out that G such that g a is equal to a will be equal to just one point set one, that is containing the group identity alone.'

Common misconceptions

  • Assuming the kernel of the S3S_3 action is the entire group S3S_3.
  • Confusing the S3S_3 permutation action with the trivial action.

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