How can you geometrically see the homotopy between S^n/S^m and S^n-m-1?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the homotopy equivalence between the quotient space S^n/S^m and the sphere S^(n-m-1). This relationship arises from the geometric interpretation of collapsing the subspace S^m within S^n to a single point, effectively transforming the topology of the space. The conversation also touches on the computation of fundamental groups for groups like O(3), SO(3), and SL(2), emphasizing the importance of understanding these structures in the context of homotopy theory.

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  • Understanding of quotient spaces in topology
  • Familiarity with homotopy theory and equivalence
  • Knowledge of fundamental groups and their computation
  • Basic concepts of fiber bundles and covering spaces
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  • Study the geometric interpretation of quotient spaces in topology
  • Learn about homotopy equivalence and its implications
  • Explore the computation of fundamental groups for O(3) and SO(3)
  • Investigate the properties of fiber bundles and covering spaces in algebraic topology
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Mathematicians, topologists, and students studying algebraic topology, particularly those interested in homotopy theory and the properties of spheres and their quotient spaces.

mich0144
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why is S^n/S^m homotopic to S^n-m-1. the book just made this remark how do you see this geometrically.

how do you compute fundamental groups of matrices like O(3) and SO(3) or SL(2) and whatnot.
 
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If I understand you well, when, you do a quotient S^n/S^m ; n>= m, you
identify S^m (seen as a subspace of S^n ) to a point. This collapses
a subset/subspace of S^n to a single point, which (meaning
self-intersection ) does not happen in S^k.

Re O(n) , etc., AFAIK, you identify them as a subset of points in R^n,
or , if you know any of these is the covering space of some top space X, you
may, e.g., use a SES in homotopy given by fibration, or properties of covering spaces.

Maybe someone else can expand on this.

HTH.
 

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