Classification of Finite Simple Groups

Classification Of Finite Simple Groups

In mathematics, the classification of the finite simple groups is a theorem stating that every finite simple group belongs to one of four categories described below. These groups can be seen as the basic building blocks of all finite groups, in much the same way as the prime numbers are the basic building blocks of the natural numbers. The Jordan–Hölder theorem is a more precise way of stating this fact about finite groups.

The proof of the theorem consists of tens of thousands of pages in several hundred journal articles written by about 100 authors, published mostly between 1955 and 2004. Gorenstein (d.1992), Lyons, and Solomon are gradually publishing a simplified and revised version of the proof.

Read more about Classification Of Finite Simple Groups:  Statement of The Classification Theorem, Overview of The Proof of The Classification Theorem, Second-generation Classification

Famous quotes containing the words finite, simple and/or groups:

    We know then the existence and nature of the finite, because we also are finite and have extension. We know the existence of the infinite and are ignorant of its nature, because it has extension like us, but not limits like us. But we know neither the existence nor the nature of God, because he has neither extension nor limits.
    Blaise Pascal (1623–1662)

    I reside at Table Mountain, and my name is Truthful James;
    I am not up to small deceit, or any sinful games;
    And I’ll tell in simple language what I know about the row
    That broke up our society upon the Stanislow.
    But first I would remark, that it is not a proper plan
    For any scientific man to whale his fellow-man,
    Bret Harte (1836–1902)

    Only the groups which exclude us have magic.
    Mason Cooley (b. 1927)