Relative Homology - Definition

Definition

Given a subspace, one may form the short exact sequence

0\to C_\bullet(A) \to C_\bullet(X)\to
C_\bullet(X) /C_\bullet(A) \to 0

where denotes the singular chains on the space X. The boundary map on leaves invariant and therefore descends to a boundary map on the quotient. The corresponding homology is called relative homology:

One says that relative homology is given by the relative cycles, chains whose boundaries are chains on A, modulo the relative boundaries (chains that are homologous to a chain on A, i.e. chains that would be boundaries, modulo A again).

Read more about this topic:  Relative Homology

Famous quotes containing the word definition:

    Perhaps the best definition of progress would be the continuing efforts of men and women to narrow the gap between the convenience of the powers that be and the unwritten charter.
    Nadine Gordimer (b. 1923)

    One definition of man is “an intelligence served by organs.”
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    No man, not even a doctor, ever gives any other definition of what a nurse should be than this—”devoted and obedient.” This definition would do just as well for a porter. It might even do for a horse. It would not do for a policeman.
    Florence Nightingale (1820–1910)