Knots and Links

Peter R. Cromwell

ISBN 10: 0521548314 / ISBN 13: 9780521548311

Published by Cambridge University Press, GB, 2004

About this Item

Knots and links are studied by mathematicians, and are also finding increasing application in chemistry and biology. Many naturally occurring questions are often simple to state, yet finding the answers may require ideas from the forefront of research. This readable and richly illustrated 2004 book explores selected topics in depth in a way that makes contemporary mathematics accessible to an undergraduate audience. It can be used for upper-division courses, and assumes only knowledge of basic algebra and elementary topology. Together with standard topics, the book explains: polygonal and smooth presentations; the surgery equivalence of surfaces; the behaviour of invariants under factorisation and the satellite construction; the arithmetic of Conway's rational tangles; arc presentations. Alongside the systematic development of the main theory, there are discussion sections that cover historical aspects, motivation, possible extensions, and applications. Many examples and exercises are included to show both the power and limitations of the techniques developed.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780521548311

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Knots and Links
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521548314
• ISBN 13: 9780521548311
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 570 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Knot theory is the study of embeddings of circles in space. Peter Cromwell has written a textbook on knot theory designed for use in advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate-level courses. The exposition is detailed and careful yet engaging and full of motivation. Numerous examples and exercises serve to help students through the material, while an instructor's manual is available online.

Book Description

Knot theory is a subject in which naturally occurring questions are often so simple to state that they can be explained to a child. Yet finding answers may require ideas from the forefront of research. Peter Cromwell has written a textbook designed for use at advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate level courses. Numerous examples and exercises serve to help students through the material, and an instructor's manual is available online.