MHB What is the Homological Degree of a Fixed Point Free Continuous Map?

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    2016
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The discussion revolves around a problem of the week involving a fixed point free continuous map from the n-sphere to itself. It is established that the homological degree of such a map is given by the formula $(-1)^{n+1}$. Despite the problem being posed, no participants provided answers, leading to a lack of engagement. The original poster shared their solution, emphasizing the mathematical reasoning behind the result. This highlights the significance of understanding homological properties in topology.
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $n$ be a positive integer, and let $\Bbb S^n \to \Bbb S^n$ be a fixed point free continuous map. Show that the map's homological degree is $(-1)^{n+1}$.

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No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
Since $f(x) \neq x$ for all $x\in \Bbb S^n$, there is a homotopy from $f$ to the antipodal map $-\bf 1$ given by $h_t(x) = \frac{(1 - t)f(x) - tx}{\|(1 - t)f(x) - tx\|}$, for all $t\in [0,1]$ and $x\in \Bbb S^n$. Thus, $\deg(f) = \deg(-\mathbf 1) = (-1)^{n+1}$.