Fundamental Groups of the Mobius Band

In summary, the fundamental group is a mathematical concept used to describe the set of all possible loops within a given space. A Mobius band is a one-sided surface with only one boundary, formed by giving a strip of paper a half-twist and connecting the ends together. The fundamental group of the Mobius band is different from other surfaces because it is non-orientable due to its half-twist structure. It is represented by the group of integers, denoted by Z, and has many applications in mathematics, particularly in algebraic topology and its connections to other branches of mathematics.
  • #1
Palindrom
263
0
Seems to be isomorphic to Z, but I can't seem to be able to prove it.

Am I right? If I am, how do I prove it?
 
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  • #2
It's homotopic to the circle.
 
  • #3
Sounds good. Just by shrinking?

Maybe it's easier that I thought.
 
  • #4
Or you could write down the universal cover and work out the group of deck transformations. Which is just as easy.
 
  • #5
You lost me there - don't know what a "universal cover" is.
 
  • #6
You will soon. So just do it directly from the homotopy idea.
 
  • #7
Ok, thanks a lot.
 

1. What is a fundamental group?

A fundamental group is a mathematical concept that describes the set of all possible loops within a given space. It is used to study the topology or shape of a space.

2. What is a Mobius band?

A Mobius band is a one-sided surface with only one boundary. It is formed by taking a strip of paper, giving it a half-twist, and then connecting the two ends together.

3. How is the fundamental group of the Mobius band different from other surfaces?

The fundamental group of the Mobius band is different from other surfaces because it is non-orientable, meaning it does not have a consistent orientation throughout the surface. This is due to the half-twist in its structure.

4. What is the fundamental group of the Mobius band?

The fundamental group of the Mobius band is the group of integers, denoted by Z. This means that any loop on the Mobius band can be continuously deformed into another loop, and the number of times the loop wraps around the band determines its group element.

5. How is the fundamental group of the Mobius band useful in mathematics?

The fundamental group of the Mobius band has many applications in mathematics, particularly in algebraic topology. It helps to classify and distinguish between different surfaces, and can be used in the study of more complex spaces. It also has connections to other branches of mathematics, such as group theory and geometry.

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