Face (geometry) - Formal Definition

Formal Definition

In convex geometry, a face of a polytope P is the intersection of any supporting hyperplane of P and P. From this definition it follows that the set of faces of a polytope includes the polytope itself and the empty set. For example, a polyhedron R3 is entirely on one hyperplane of R4. If R4 were spacetime, the hyperplane at t = 0 supports and contains the entire polyhedron. Thus, by the formal definition, the polyhedron is a face of itself.

All of the following are the n-faces of a 4-dimensional polytope:

  • 4-face – the 4-dimensional 4-polytope itself
  • 3-face – any 3-dimensional cell
  • 2-face – any 2-dimensional polygonal face (using the common definition of face)
  • 1-face – any 1-dimensional edge
  • 0-face – any 0-dimensional vertex
  • the empty set.

Read more about this topic:  Face (geometry)

Famous quotes containing the words formal and/or definition:

    Two clergymen disputing whether ordination would be valid without the imposition of both hands, the more formal one said, “Do you think the Holy Dove could fly down with only one wing?”
    Horace Walpole (1717–1797)

    ... we all know the wag’s definition of a philanthropist: a man whose charity increases directly as the square of the distance.
    George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)