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.
| ISBN: | 9781108843942 |
| Publication date: | 9th September 2021 |
| Author: | Patrick Dehornoy |
| Publisher: | Cambridge University Press |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 220 pages |
| Series: | London Mathematical Society Student Texts |
| Genres: |
Algebraic topology Algebra Calculus and mathematical analysis |