Date of Graduation

Spring 2011

Degree

Master of Science in Mathematics

Department

Mathematics

Committee Chair

Les Reid

Abstract

We investigated questions inspired by the puzzle Top Spin by Binary Arts using concepts from abstract algebra. We attempted to determine whether every configuration can be obtained by some set of moves or if not, which permutations can be realized. In other words, we asked whether a given set of generators generates the entire symmetric group or a proper subgroup of the symmetric group. We represented the puzzle using Cayley graphs; the diameter of these graphs gives the fewest moves needed to solve the particular puzzle.

Keywords

algebra, Cayley graphs, diameter, genus, symmetric group

Subject Categories

Mathematics

Copyright

© Anna Marie Madras

Campus Only

Share

COinS