Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2024/ii/paper-1/32a/b/iii/solution

An itinerary fixed by the eighth shift has least period dividing . Those with period dividing are exactly the itineraries fixed by the fourth shift. Thus the primitive length-eight itineraries form
pointed words. Each cycle has eight cyclic shifts, so they give
distinct -cycles. Therefore at least five such cycles are forced.

New to topics? Read the docs here!