Geometry of Surfaces (Universitext) - Softcover

Stillwell, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0387977430 ISBN 13: 9780387977430

Publisher: Springer, 1992

Synopsis

Geometry used to be the basis of a mathematical education; today it is not even a standard undergraduate topic. Much as I deplore this situation, I welcome the opportunity to make a fresh start. Classical geometry is no longer an adequate basis for mathematics or physics-both of which are becoming increasingly geometric-and geometry can no longer be divorced from algebra, topology, and analysis. Students need a geometry of greater scope, and the fact that there is no room for geometry in the curriculum un­ til the third or fourth year at least allows us to assume some mathematical background. What geometry should be taught? I believe that the geometry of surfaces of constant curvature is an ideal choice, for the following reasons: 1. It is basically simple and traditional. We are not forgetting euclidean geometry but extending it enough to be interesting and useful. The extensions offer the simplest possible introduction to fundamentals of modem geometry: curvature, group actions, and covering spaces. 2. The prerequisites are modest and standard. A little linear algebra (mostly 2 x 2 matrices), calculus as far as hyperbolic functions, ba­ sic group theory (subgroups and cosets), and basic topology (open, closed, and compact sets).

About this title

Synopsis

This text intends to provide the student with the knowledge of a geometry of greater scope than the classical geometry taught today, which is no longer an adequate basis for mathematics or physics, both of which are becoming increasingly geometric. The geometry of surfaces is an ideal starting point for students learning geometry for the following reasons; first, the extensions offer the simplest possible introduction to fundamentals of modern geometry: curvature, group actions and covering spaces. Second, the prerequisites are modest and standard and include only a little linear algebra, calculus, basic group theory and basic topology. Third and most important, the theory of surfaces of constant curvature has maximal connectivity with the rest of mathematics. They realize all the topological types of compact two-dimensional manifolds, and historically, they are the source of the main concepts of complex analysis, differential geometry, topology, and combinatorial group theory, as well as such hot topics as fractal geometry and string theory. The formal coverage is extended by exercises and informal discussions throughout the text.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0387977430
• ISBN 13: 9780387977430
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 247