Math4202 Topology II (Lecture 20)
Algebraic Topology
Retraction and fixed point
Lemma of retraction
Let be a continuous map. The following are equivalent:
- is null-homotopic ( is homotopic to a constant map).
- extends to a continuous map . ()
For this course, we use closed disk .
- is the trivial group homomorphism of fundamental groups (Image of is trivial group, identity).
Proof
First we will show that (1) implies (2).
By the null homotopic condition, there exists that .
Define the equivalence relation for all the point in the set . Then there exists is a continuous map. (by quotient map and is continuous.)
Note that the cone shape is homotopic equivalent to the disk using polar coordinates. .
Then we will prove that (2) implies (3).
Let be the inclusion map. Then , .
Recall that , is trivial, since is contractible.
Therefore is the trivial group homomorphism.
Now we will show that (3) implies (1).
Consider the map from by . is a generator of . (The lifting of to is , which is a generator of .)
is a loop in representing .
As is trivial, is homotopic to a constant loop.
Therefore, there exist a homotopy , where constant map, .
Take by , . .
(From the perspective of quotient map, we can see that is the quotient map from to . Then is the induced continuous map from to .)
Corollary of punctured plane
is not null homotopic.
Proof
Recall from last lecture, is the retraction .
Therefore, we have : is injective.
Therefore is non trivial.
Therefore is not null homotopic.