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Here's a hint (that I found helpful):
 
  
Consider an element of A_{10} as a permutation written in disjoint
 
cycle notation.  The lengths of the cycles must add up to no more than
 
10, since the permutations are of degree 10.  Odd cycles have lengths
 
2, 4, 6, 8.  Even cycles have lengths 3, 5, 7, 9.  Since we're dealing with the
 
alternating group, odd cycles must occur in pairs, otherwise you would
 
have an odd permutation (not an even one).  Determine the combination
 
of cycle lengths that add up to no more than 10, form an even
 
permutation, and have the largest LCM.
 
 
Enjoy!
 
 
~A. Bishel
 

Revision as of 12:42, 10 September 2008

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Basic linear algebra uncovers and clarifies very important geometry and algebra.

Dr. Paul Garrett