A Typology for Finite Groups

Summary This project classifies groups of small order using a group’s center as the key feature. Groups of a given order n are typed based on the order of each group’s center. Students are led through a sequence of exercises that combine proof-writing, independent research, and an analysis of specific classes of finite groups (including the dihedral, symmetric, and alternating groups) to produce a list of groups of each possible type. The project can serve as a capstone experience that unifies group theory with expository mathematical writing