In mathematics, each closed surface in the sense of geometric topology can be constructed from an even-sided oriented polygon, called a fundamental polygon, by pairwise identification of its edges.
This construction can be represented as a string of length 2n of n distinct symbols where each symbol appears twice with exponent either +1 or −1. The exponent −1 signifies that the corresponding edge has the orientation opposing the one of the fundamental polygon.
Read more about Fundamental Polygon: Examples, Group Generators, Standard Fundamental Polygons, Fundamental Polygon of A Compact Riemann Surface, Explicit Form For Standard Polygons, Generalizations
Famous quotes containing the word fundamental:
“It’s important to remember that children who are facing a frightening situation have three fundamental concerns: Am I safe? Are you, the people who care for me, safe? How will this affect my daily life?”
—Lawrence Kutner (20th century)