The Variational Theory of Geodesics (Dover Books on Mathematics) - Softcover

Postnikov, M. M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486838285 ISBN 13: 9780486838281

Publisher: Dover Publications Inc., 2019

Synopsis

Riemannian geometry is a fundamental area of modern mathematics and is important to the study of relativity. Within the larger context of Riemannian mathematics, the active subdiscipline of geodesics (shortest paths) in Riemannian spaces is of particular significance. This compact and self-contained text by a noted theorist presents the essentials of modern differential geometry as well as basic tools for the study of Morse theory. The advanced treatment emphasizes analytical rather than topological aspects of Morse theory and requires a solid background in calculus.
Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students of mathematics, the text opens with a chapter on smooth manifolds, followed by a consideration of spaces of affine connection. Subsequent chapters explore Riemannian spaces and offer an extensive treatment of the variational properties of geodesics and auxiliary theorems and matters.

About this title

About the Author

Soviet mathematician Mikhail Mikhailovich Postnikov (1927&;2004) worked primarily in algebraic and differential topology. He was on the Mechanics and Mathematics faculty of Moscow State University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications Inc.
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0486838285
• ISBN 13: 9780486838281
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208