4
votes
1answer
89 views

Representation of (co)homology classes of $3$-manifolds by embedded surfaces

Let $M$ be a closed oriented $3$-manifold. Theorems in algebraic topology allow us to identify $$H_2(M) \ \cong \ H^1(M) \ \cong \ \langle M,S^1\rangle$$ where (co)homology is meant with integer ...
12
votes
1answer
268 views

A simply-connected closed surface is a sphere

From the Classification Theorem for closed (i.e. compact and boundaryless) surfaces, it follows that $S^2$ is the only closed surface with trivial $\pi _1$. That's easy because the fundamental group ...
3
votes
0answers
59 views

Do we really need to use the Jordan-Schönflies Theorem to prove that every surface can be triangulated?

I have read that most proofs of the triangulability of surfaces require the use of the Jordan-Schönflies Theorem. However, is such high-tech machinery really needed? The problem is that 3-manifolds ...
1
vote
1answer
99 views

Pinched torus generalization

The pinched torus is homeomorphic to a sphere with two (different) points identified.           What is the name and topological structure of the ...