The normal covering number γ (G) of a finite, non-cyclic group G is the least number of proper subgroups such that each element of G lies in some conjugate of one of these subgroups. We prove that there is a positive constant c such that, for G a symmetric group Sym(n) or an alternating group Alt(n), γ (G) is greater than cn. This improves results of the first two authors who had earlier proved that aϕ(n) is less or equal than γ (G,) which is less or equal than 2n/3, for some positive constant a, where ϕ is the Euler totient function. Bounds are also obtained for the maximum size κ(G) of a set X of conjugacy classes of G = Sym(n) or Alt(n) such that any pair of elements from distinct classes in X generates G, namely cn is less or equal than κ(G) which is less or equal than 2n/3.

Normal coverings and pairwise generation of finite alternating and symmetric groups / Daniela Bubboloni; Cheryl E. Praeger; Pablo Spiga. - In: JOURNAL OF ALGEBRA. - ISSN 0021-8693. - STAMPA. - 390 (2013) 199–215:(2013), pp. 199-215. [10.1016/j.jalgebra.2013.05.017]

Normal coverings and pairwise generation of finite alternating and symmetric groups

BUBBOLONI, DANIELA
;
2013

Abstract

The normal covering number γ (G) of a finite, non-cyclic group G is the least number of proper subgroups such that each element of G lies in some conjugate of one of these subgroups. We prove that there is a positive constant c such that, for G a symmetric group Sym(n) or an alternating group Alt(n), γ (G) is greater than cn. This improves results of the first two authors who had earlier proved that aϕ(n) is less or equal than γ (G,) which is less or equal than 2n/3, for some positive constant a, where ϕ is the Euler totient function. Bounds are also obtained for the maximum size κ(G) of a set X of conjugacy classes of G = Sym(n) or Alt(n) such that any pair of elements from distinct classes in X generates G, namely cn is less or equal than κ(G) which is less or equal than 2n/3.
2013
390 (2013) 199–215
199
215
Daniela Bubboloni; Cheryl E. Praeger; Pablo Spiga
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Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/807672
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