06-1350/Homework Assignment 2
From Drorbn
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Solve the following problems and submit them in class by November 2, 2006:
Question 1. Let denote the writhe (self linking number) of a band knot
.
- Is
a finite type invariant? Of what type?
- In what sense is Failed to parse (PNG conversion failed; check for correct installation of latex and dvipng (or dvips + gs + convert)): \exp(x\cdot w(K))
"made of finite type invariants"?
- Compute the weight system of Failed to parse (PNG conversion failed; check for correct installation of latex and dvipng (or dvips + gs + convert)): \exp(x\cdot w(K))
.
Question 2. Recall the HOMFLY-PT polynomial, given by the recursive definition
and by the initial condition =1.
- In what sense is
a finite type invariant?
- Compute the weight system of
.
Question 3.
- Find a concise algorithm to compute the weight system associated with the Lie algebra
in its defining representation.
- Verify that your algorithm indeed satisfies the
relation.
Don't submit the following, but do think about it:
Question 4. Read Dror's article Lie Algebras and the Four Color Theorem and convince yourself that it is, after all, a worthless curiosity.