On a conjecture of Peter Neumann on fixed points in permutation groups
Abstract
We prove a conjecture of Peter Neumann from 1966, predicting that every finite non-regular primitive permutation group of degree $n$ contains an element fixing at least one point and at most $n^{1/2}$ points. In fact, we prove a stronger version, where $n^{1/2}$ is replaced by $n^{1/3}$, and this is best possible. The case where $G$ is affine was proved by Guralnick and Malle; in this paper we address the case where $G$ is non-affine.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Finite Group Theory Research
Advanced Algebra and Geometry
Advanced Combinatorial Mathematics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- arXiv (Cornell University)
- Publication date
- 3 February 2026
- Document type
- Preprint