Group Theory – How to Show Klein Four-Group is a Normal Subgroup of Alternating Group $A_4$

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I want to show that the Klein four-group is a normal subgroup of the alternating group $A_4$.

I am using the information in this link, that shows explicitly $A_4$, and Klein four-group as a subgroup.

I know that there is the direct way, by definition, but is there a way that does not require actually multiplying so many permutations ?

Best Answer

The elements of the Klein $4$-group sitting inside $A_4$ are precisely the identity, and all elements of $A_4$ of the form $(ij)(k\ell)$ (the product of two disjoint transpositions).

Since conjugation in $S_n$ (and therefore in $A_n$) does not change the cycle structure, it follows that this subgroup is a union of conjugacy classes, and therefore is normal.

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