(a) Let G be a finite group acting on a set X. For x∈X, define the orbit Orb(x) and the stabiliser Stab(x) of x. Show that Stab(x) is a subgroup of G. State and prove the orbit-stabiliser theorem.
(b) Let n⩾k⩾1 be integers. Let G=Sn, the symmetric group of degree n, and X be the set of all ordered k-tuples (x1,…,xk) with xi∈{1,2,…,n}. Then G acts on X, where the action is defined by σ(x1,…,xk)=(σ(x1),…,σ(xk)) for σ∈Sn and (x1,…,xk)∈X. For x=(1,2,…,k)∈X, determine Orb(x) and Stab(x) and verify that the orbit-stabiliser theorem holds in this case.
(c) We say that G acts doubly transitively on X if, whenever (x1,x2) and (y1,y2) are elements of X×X with x1=x2 and y1=y2, there exists some g∈G such that gx1=y1 and gx2=y2.
Assume that G is a finite group that acts doubly transitively on X, and let x∈X. Show that if H is a subgroup of G that properly contains Stab(x)( that is, Stab(x)⊆H but Stab(x)=H) then the action of H on X is transitive. Deduce that H=G.