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:
“This leads us to note down in our psychological chart of the mass-man of today two fundamental traits: the free expansion of his vital desires, and, therefore, of his personality; and his radical ingratitude towards all that has made possible the ease of his existence. These traits together make up the well-known psychology of the spoilt child.”
—José Ortega Y Gasset (1883–1955)