Uses of Topology: Learn What It Can Do

[111111]

I am not a math student but I have read some basic stuff about topology just because it sounded interesting, and I was wondering if people could name some uses of it, because it does not seem to have very many.

Also on a related question, how often are new branches of mathematics "invented"; do you see any happening in the future or do they all seem to be discovered already?

 

[HallsofIvy]

Topology is essentially the study of limits and continuity which are of immense importance in calculus.

New branches of mathemtics are being "invented" all the time- of course, most of them are of no real interest. I think the jury is still out on "Fractals" or "Catastrophy theory" which were developed during the sixties and seventies.

 

[morphism]

Topology can be (and is) used in pretty much in any field of math.