# The probability that two elements of a finite nonabelian simple group commute

It is mentioned in here (last paragraph of the first page) that Dixon proved the following result: the probability that two elements of a finite nonabelian simple group commute is at most $\frac{1}{12}$. I cannot seem to find this proof anywhere online. Do you know a proof of this fact? Or do you have a reference for it? (I am actually more interested in the original proof)

• In fact, for any $\epsilon$, there will be at most finitely many simple groups $G$ with $cp(G) \geq \epsilon$. This follows from Dixon's argument (linked below) and the fact that for any $n$ there are at most finitely many finite simple groups with an irreducible representation of dimension $n$. See e.g. mathoverflow.net/a/27365/1345 – Ian Agol Sep 19 at 4:07

• Note that Dixon's argument can be simplified a little. No finite simple group can have an irreducible complex character of degree $2$. If $G$ were a simple group with such a representation, then $|G|$ would be even (since irreducible character degrees divide the group order). Then $G$ would contain an involution $t$ by Cauchy's theorem, and $t$ would be in $Z(G)$ since $t$ would be represented by $-I$ (on consideration of determinant), contrary to simplicity. – Geoff Robinson Sep 19 at 10:48