Interactive visual software system for problem solving and teaching in finite group theory

Abstract

The article shows how to solve some computational problems in finite group theory using the software system "DSR Open Lab 1.0" designed and developed by authors. We consider such computational problems as follows: the construction of the group using given elements or a genetic code (generators and relations), the operations with the group elements as well as the calculations of subgroups and their powers, normal subgroup, factor-group, etc. We also give a comparison of the user interface implementation of our software with Maple V Release 5. The presented examples show that the process of problem solving and teaching in finite group theory has become easier and more interactive now, due to the visual user interface of the presented software.