# Is there any permutation $x≠1$ leaving at least $n-2k$ letters fixed at this group?

This question has an answer which I am noting both here.

Q: Suppose that $G$ is permutation group of degree $n$. If for an integer $k$ where $4≤2k≤n$ we have $|G|≥(n-k)!k$ then $G$ contains a permutation $x≠1$ that leaves at least $n-2k$ letters fixed.

A: The number of $k-$cycles in $S_n$ is equal to $\binom{n}{k}(k-1)!$. Since $|G|≥(n-k)!k$ so, $|S_n:G|≤\frac{n!}{(n-k)!k}=\binom{n}{k}(k-1)!$. Hence either $G$ contains a $k-$cycle like $x$ or some right coset of $G$ contains at least two $k-$cycles $y$ and $z$. In the latter case we take $x=yz^{-1}$. (This result is due to Netto).

Why does he insist working with a $k-$cycle say $x$ rather than a $2k-$cycle permutaion? Doesn't a $2k-$cycle leave $n-2k$ letters unmoved? Unfortunately, I am baffling of his second result. Why $yz^{-1}$? Wasn't $yz$ useful? Thanks so much for any help.

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The product of two 2k-cycles need not leave n-2k points fixed. yz need not be in G. –  Jack Schmidt Jun 12 '12 at 17:46
@JackSchmidt: Is this true that we need one permutaion so why you meant "The product... fixed"? –  Babak S. Jun 12 '12 at 17:51
I think I see your confusion. He first tries to take a k-cycle in G because of what happens if he fails (everything still works, because another coset has both y and z). If he tried at first to take a 2k-cycle in G, then everything still works if he succeeds, but if he fails, then the proof fails too. –  Jack Schmidt Jun 12 '12 at 18:12
@JackSchmidt: I got the point. I am reflecting about his way more. Thanks Jack for your time. –  Babak S. Jun 12 '12 at 18:18

There are N different k-cycles and at most N different cosets of G in $S_n$. That means that if any coset lacks a k-cycle, then some coset Ga has two k-cycles, say y and z. Since cosets are equal if they are not disjoint, we get $Ga = Gy = Gz$. More usefully we get that $yz^{-1} \in G$. Now $yz^{-1}$ is a product of two k-cycles so moves at most $2k$ points, and leaves the other (at least) $n-2k$ points alone.