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Problem Set

The problem set for Differential Geometry in Fall 2025 consists of a single question regarding an alternating n-form Λ and the impossibility of continuously transitioning between two bases of Rn that yield opposite signs for Λ. It requires proving that no set of continuous functions can connect these bases while maintaining the properties of a basis. A hint is provided to use the mean value theorem from calculus for the proof.

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cirwin5
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2 views2 pages

Problem Set

The problem set for Differential Geometry in Fall 2025 consists of a single question regarding an alternating n-form Λ and the impossibility of continuously transitioning between two bases of Rn that yield opposite signs for Λ. It requires proving that no set of continuous functions can connect these bases while maintaining the properties of a basis. A hint is provided to use the mean value theorem from calculus for the proof.

Uploaded by

cirwin5
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Differential Geometry Problem set Fall 2025

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1
Differential Geometry Problem set Fall 2025

1. This problem set will consist of a single question. Let Λ be an alternating n-form, and suppose
there exists a basis {ei }ni=1 of Rn such that Λ(e1 , ..., en ) > 0 and another basis {e′i }ni=1 such that
Λ(e′1 , ..., e′n ) < 0. Prove that there cannot exist a set of n continuous functions xi (t) : [0, 1] → Rn
such that xi (0) = ei , xi (1) = e′i , and for any t {xi (t)}ni=1 forms a basis for Rn . (This shows,
informally, that you cannot continuously move between any two bases of your choosing).

Hint: use the mean value theorem from calculus.

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