Left Regular Representation

Definition

The left regular representation of is the Homomorphism (or Group Morphism) σ:GSG. This representation is always a Faithful Action, and transitive. It defines an injective Homomorphism (or Group Morphism). If G is a finite group of order n then this homomorphism establishes an Isomorphism of G with a Subgroup of Sn (or order n!).

Some Corollaries

Corollary

If G is a finite group of order n and p is the smallest prime dividing |G| then any Subgroup of Index (Groups) p is a Normal Subgroup.

Proof

Suppose HG and |G:H|=p. Let πH be the permutation representation afforded by multiplication on the set of left cosets of H in G, let K=Ker(πH) and let |H:K|=k Then |G:K|=pk by 32 Cosets and Lagrange's Theorem#11. Since H has p left cosets, then GK is isomorphic to a subgroup of Sp (namely, the image of G under πH) by The First Isomorphism Theorem of Groups, The Fundamental Theorem for Group Morphisms. By Lagrange's Divisibility Theorem of Order of Subgroups then pk=|GK| divides p!. Thus:
k|p!pk|(p1)!
But all the prime divisors of (p1)! are less than p and by the minimality of p then every prime divisor of k is greater than or equal to p. This forces k=1 so H=KG.