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Knot Theory Problems and Solutions
Knot Theory Problems and Solutions
Knot Theory Problems and Solutions
It turns out we can manipulate the one on the left using R-moves to get the one on the right.
R1
R2
R3
R2
R2
Problem 2: Construct a system of four links such that if any one link is removed the whole thing falls
apart. (Basically a Borromean knot, but with four loops).
There may be more ways to do this, but we found a way that just links all four loops together into one
big loop.
This problem can be explained very easily intuitively. Lets call the braid A. In order to undo A (make it
0) we need to go backwards through all the steps we did to make A (like all the crossings of the
strings, etc). This means that we need to reverse all of our displacements. This can only be done by
attaching a braid onto A that is perfectly symmetric to A about the center, which is the mirror image of
A. Essentially, a mirror image just goes backwards through the steps that created the braid, which
unravels the whole braid, producing straight strings.
Problem 4: How many elements are there in the group of symmetries of a cube?
First, we can put planes inside a cube to make symmetry.
There are also rotational symmetries. Think of every sides as being a different color (6 different colors).
The cube can be positioned so that any of the six sides is facing up. With each of these 6 sides facing up,
it can be turned horizontally 4 different ways. All together, there are 24 (6*4) rotational symmetries.
In total, there are 33 symmetries (3+9+24).
Problem 5: Show that the knot drawn below is an unknot.
This should be solved using R-moves,
but that takes a really long time, so
Im just going to do it in a few moves
so that everyone gets the general idea
of how to solve it.