The Calculus of Braids: An Introduction, and Beyond: 100 (London Mathematical Society Student Texts, Series Number 100)

Dehornoy, Patrick

ISBN 10: 1108843948 / ISBN 13: 9781108843942

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2021

About this Item

Seller Inventory # V9781108843942

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Calculus of Braids: An Introduction, and Beyond: 100 (London Mathematical Society Student Texts, Series Number 100)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1108843948
• ISBN 13: 9781108843942
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Everyone knows what braids are, whether they be made of hair, knitting wool, or electrical cables. However, it is not so evident that we can construct a theory about them, i.e. to elaborate a coherent and mathematically interesting corpus of results concerning them. This book demonstrates that there is a resoundingly positive response to this question: braids are fascinating objects, with a variety of rich mathematical properties and potential applications. A special emphasis is placed on the algorithmic aspects and on what can be called the 'calculus of braids', in particular the problem of isotopy. Prerequisites are kept to a minimum, with most results being established from scratch. An appendix at the end of each chapter gives a detailed introduction to the more advanced notions required, including monoids and group presentations. Also included is a range of carefully selected exercises to help the reader test their knowledge, with solutions available.

About the Author

Patrick Dehornoy (1952–2019) was Professor Emeritus at Université Caen Normandie, and Senior Member Emeritus of the Institut Universitaire de France. His research focused on set theory, algebra, and topology in small dimensions. He authored close to 100 research articles and eight books.