Let
α be a 3-cycle and
β be an arbitrary permutation. If two of the elements (
a,
b) of α are both in one cycle of β and the third element (
c) is in another cycle, for the composition
αβ :
- The cycle with a and b of β breaks into two new cycles. The cycle with c remains the same.
- The cycle with c breaks into two new cycles. The cycle with a and b recombines in a different cycle.
- The two cycles recombines in two new cycles.
- The two cycles of β join together into a new cycle.
- None of the above.
Original idea by: Juan Felipe Hernández Albarracín.