0
$\begingroup$

Let $P$ be a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $\operatorname{Sym}(n)$. If $p$ does not divide $n$, then $P\leq\operatorname{Sym}(n-1)$.

I can compute the order of $P$ and see that there exists a Sylow $p$-subgroup $Q$ of $\operatorname{Sym}(n-1)$ which is order $|P|$. But how can we say that $P$ can be equal to $Q$? Thanks.

  • 0
    I consider Derek's hint, but still I haven't conclude the proof. Ok,$Sym(n-1)$contains a conjugate of any Sylow p-subgroup P of Sym (n).And, they are isomorphic. So?2012-12-28

1 Answers 1

3

I think the question should be interpreted in this way: Given the hypothesis show that $P$ is contained in a subgroup of $\mathrm{Sym}(n)$ isomorphic to $\mathrm{Sym}(n-1)$. And this is absolutely clear: indeed it's true a little bit more, $P$ is contained in a subgroup of $\mathrm{Sym}(n)$ isomorphic to $\mathrm{Sym}(n-r)$, where $r$ is a nonnegative integer less then $p$, equivalent to $n \pmod p$. Indeed $P$ is a $p$-group acting on a set, so it has a set of fixed point of cardinality equivalent to $n \pmod p$ (orbit stabilizer+n=sum of the cardinality of orbits). Then clearly there are at least $r$ points fixed by the whole $P$. So $P$ has a natural immersion in the stabilizer of these $r$ points, that is isomorphic to $\mathrm{Sym}(n-r)$.