The link between the physical world and its visualization is geometry. This easy-to-read, generously illustrated textbook presents an elementary introduction to differential geometry with emphasis on geometric results. Avoiding formalism as much as possible, the author harnesses basic mathematical skills in analysis and linear algebra to solve interesting geometric problems, which prepare students for more advanced study in mathematics and other scientific fields such as physics and computer science. The wide range of topics includes curve theory, a detailed study of surfaces, curvature, variation of area and minimal surfaces, geodesics, spherical and hyperbolic geometry, the divergence theorem, triangulations, and the Gauss-Bonnet theorem. The section on cartography demonstrates the concrete importance of elementary differential geometry in applications. Clearly developed arguments and proofs, colour illustrations, and over 100 exercises and solutions make this book ideal for courses and self-study. The only prerequisites are one year of undergraduate calculus and linear algebra.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
'The book under review presents a detailed and pedagogically excellent study about differential geometry of curves and surfaces by introducing modern concepts and techniques so that it can serve as a transition book between classical differential geometry and contemporary theory of manifolds. the concepts are discussed through historical problems as well as motivating examples and applications. Moreover, constructive examples are given in such a way that the reader can easily develop some understanding for extensions, generalizations and adaptations of classical differential geometry to global differential geometry.' Zentralblatt MATH
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Für höhere Schule und Studium
Für Beruf und Forschung
Illustrationen
Worked examples or Exercises; 4 Plates, color; 17 Halftones, unspecified; 130 Line drawings, unspecified
Maße
Höhe: 254 mm
Breite: 178 mm
Dicke: 20 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-0-521-89671-9 (9780521896719)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Christian Baer is Professor of Geometry in the Institute for Mathematics at the University of Potsdam, Germany.
Autor*in
Universitaet Potsdam, Germany
Preface; Notation; 1. Euclidean geometry; 2. Curve theory; 3. Classical surface theory; 4. The inner geometry of surfaces; 5. Geometry and analysis; 6. Geometry and topology; 7. Hints for solutions to (most) exercises; Formulary; List of symbols; References; Index.
