Finite Projective Planes
It can be shown that a projective plane has the same number of lines as it has points (infinite or finite). Thus, for every finite projective plane there is an integer N ≥ 2 such that the plane has
- N2 + N + 1 points,
- N2 + N + 1 lines,
- N + 1 points on each line, and
- N + 1 lines through each point.
The number N is called the order of the projective plane. (See also the article on finite geometry.)
Using the vector space construction with finite fields there exists a projective plane of order N = pn, for each prime power pn. In fact, for all known finite projective planes, the order N is a prime power.
The existence of finite projective planes of other orders is an open question. The only general restriction known on the order is the Bruck-Ryser-Chowla theorem that if the order N is congruent to 1 or 2 mod 4, it must be the sum of two squares. This rules out N = 6. The next case N = 10 has been ruled out by massive computer calculations. Nothing more is known; in particular, the question of whether there exists a finite projective plane of order N = 12 is still open.
Another longstanding open problem is whether there exist finite projective planes of prime order which are not finite field planes (equivalently, whether there exists a non-Desarguesian projective plane of prime order).
A projective plane of order N is a Steiner S(2, N + 1, N2 + N + 1) system (see Steiner system). Conversely, one can prove that all Steiner systems of this form (λ = 2) are projective planes.
The number of mutually orthogonal Latin squares of order N is at most N − 1. N − 1 exist if and only if there is a projective plane of order N.
While the classification of all projective planes is far from complete, results are known for small orders:
- 2 : all isomorphic with PG(2,2)
- 3 : all isomorphic with PG(2,3)
- 4 : all isomorphic with PG(2,4)
- 5 : all isomorphic with PG(2,5)
- 6 : impossible as the order of a projective plane, proved by Tarry who showed that Euler's thirty-six officers problem has no solution
- 7 : all isomorphic with PG(2,7)
- 8 : all isomorphic with PG(2,8)
- 9 : PG(2,9), and three more different (non-isomorphic) non-Desarguesian planes. (All described in (Room & Kirkpatrick 1971)).
- 10 : impossible as an order of a projective plane, proved by heavy computer calculation.
- 11 : at least PG(2,11), others are not known but possible.
- 12 : it is conjectured to be impossible as an order of a projective plane.
Read more about this topic: Projective Plane
Famous quotes containing the words finite and/or planes:
“All finite things reveal infinitude:”
—Theodore Roethke (19081963)
“After the planes unloaded, we fell down
Buried together, unmarried men and women;”
—Robert Lowell (19171977)