Transpositions generate the finitary symmetric group

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Statement

For a finite set

The symmetric group on a finite set is generated by the transpositions in it. A transposition is a permutation that interchanges two elements and leaves all the others fixed; in other words, it is a cycle of length two.

For an infinite set

The finitary symmetric group on any set is generated by the transpositions in it. A transposition is a permutation that interchanges two elements and leaves all the others fixed; in other words, it is a cycle of length two.

Related facts

In terms of IAPS theory

In terms of IAPS theory, this translates to saying that the transposition on a two-element set forms a one-element permutatively generating set for the permutation IAPS.

Proof for a finite set

Proof using the cycle decomposition

Proof using sorting algorithms