Thread: Very simple permutations question (Parity)

If i have somthing like (1)(6)(7)(24)(35) then is the parity simply (-1)^2 as there are 2 2-cycles?

ie. the One cycles are ignored?

Originally Posted by BruceBronson

If i have somthing like (1)(6)(7)(24)(35) then is the parity simply (-1)^2 as there are 2 2-cycles?

ie. the One cycles are ignored?

Yes, 1 cycles can be ignored. They do not even belong there! Because in order to determine if a premutation is even or odd you need to express it in product of 2-cycles. Not 2-cycles and 1-cycles mixed together.