Some Probabilistic Topics in Finite Group Theory

Author

Christie Dawn T. Bowerman

Date of Graduation

Summer 2006

Degree

Master of Science in Mathematics

Department

Mathematics

Committee Chair

Les Reid

Abstract

This paper applies the theory of probability to finite groups. Three problems are addressed: the probability that any two elements in a given groups commute, the expected value of the order of an element in a given group, and the probability that a subset of a given group generates the group. For each problem, a general procedure to find the specified values for every finite group is determined. Additionally, these procedures are refined for specific types of groups, namely abelian groups, dihedral groups, generalized quaternion groups, and symmetric groups. Also, the asymptotic behavior of some of these values is explored along with some applications.

Keywords

group theory, finite groups, commutation, generation, order, probability

Subject Categories

Mathematics

Copyright

© Christie Dawn T. Bowerman

Recommended Citation

Bowerman, Christie Dawn T., "Some Probabilistic Topics in Finite Group Theory" (2006). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 1623.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1623