Image for McKay's theorem

McKay's theorem

McKay's theorem is a mathematical concept that describes a special relationship between different types of finite groups, which are algebraic structures that capture the idea of symmetry. Specifically, it states that there is a one-to-one correspondence between certain types of groups known as "simple groups" and "finite-dimensional representations" over complex numbers. This means that for every simple group, there is a unique way to represent it using matrices (arrays of numbers) that captures its symmetry properties. Essentially, McKay's theorem highlights a surprising connection between pure abstract algebra and representations that can be visually understood.