What is Knot Theory?
Date: 03/10/98 at 23:46:23 From: keatha Subject: the knot theory Dear Dr. Math, In order for me to complete my project on knot theory, I need a question, hypothesis, and a purpose. I have this information, I just want you to proofread it to see if I need to add anything or delete anything. Question: What is Knot Theory? Purpose: To prove that knot theory is related to topology. Hypothesis: If topology deals with the bending of objects, then it (knot theory) is related to topology. Thanks a million, Keatha
Date: 03/11/98 at 10:32:24 From: Doctor Sonya Subject: Re: the knot theory Dear Keatha, I just wrote a big paper on knot theory. What a great topic to choose. Your question is good, and your hypothesis is correct -- that topology deals with the bending of objects, and that topology is related to knot theory. However, if you really want to answer the question, "What is knot theory?" I don't think, "Knot theory is related to topology." is enough of an answer. When you get to the real details of it, knot theory is also closely related to modern algebra (although you'd never know it from all the pretty pictures of knots!). The most exciting thing about knot theory that deals with the bending and twisting of knots is something called the "Jones Polynomial," discovered by a mathematician named Jones and written about by Louis Kauffman. If you still have to do more research, this might be interesting for you to include. Also, take a look at "The Knot Theory Home Page" http://tqd.advanced.org/12295/main.html Good luck with your project. -Doctor Sonya, The Math Forum Check out our web site! http://mathforum.org/dr.math/
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