What Is the Geometric Term for the Cartesian Product of n Unit Intervals?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the geometric term for the Cartesian product of n unit intervals, specifically exploring what to call the resulting geometric object formed by [0, 1] x ... x [0, 1] with n factors. The scope includes conceptual clarification and terminology in geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the Cartesian product of n unit intervals results in a geometric object, questioning if there is an established term for it.
  • Another participant suggests the term "symmetric k-cell" or "n-dimensional symmetric k-cell" as potential names.
  • A different participant proposes calling it "yourlastname"-Space, indicating a playful approach to naming.
  • One participant mentions they would refer to it as an "orthogonal unit" if writing a paper, emphasizing the appeal of the term "orthogonal."
  • Another participant identifies the term "geometric unit n-hypercube" or simply "unit n-cube" as the common name for the object in question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various suggestions for naming the geometric object, with no consensus on a single term. Multiple competing views remain regarding the appropriate terminology.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the question of a universally accepted term and reflects a variety of informal naming conventions.

Tac-Tics
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The unit interval is [0, 1].

Is there a name for the cartesian product of n unit intervals? So, [0, 1] x [0, 1] is the unit square, [0, 1] x [0, 1] x [0, 1] is the unit cute. What would you call [0, 1] x ... x [0, 1] with n factors?

I'm guessing there is such a term, because it's a pretty useful geometric object. It's at least as important as an n-torus, which is [tex]S^1 \times \cdots \times S^1[/tex]
 
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symmetric k-cell?

n-dimensional symmetric k-cell?

I guess you could call it anything so long as there is at least somewhat of a use for it. How about "yourlastname"-Space?
 
Newtime said:
How about "yourlastname"-Space?

Sweet!

If I were to write a paper on it, I'd probably call it an orthogonal unit. Orthogonal is just a cool sounding word.

But I'd still like to hear if there's a name in common use!
 
It's the geometric unit n-hypercube, or just unit n-cube for short.
 
Last edited:

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