Interactive Introduction to Knot Theory

This well-written and engaging volume, intended for undergraduates, introduces knot theory, an area of growing interest in contemporary mathematics. The hands-on approach features many exercises to be completed by readers. Prerequisites are only a basic familiarity with linear algebra and a willingness to explore the subject in a hands-on manner.The opening chapter offers activities that introduce knots and links, including games with knots and addressing questions in knot theory. Subsequent chapters explore knot definition and equivalence; families of links and braids, such as pretzel and torus links; and knot notation, covering DT notation, Gauss codes and diagrams, and Conway notation and rational knots. Additional topics include combinatorial knot invariants, knot polynomials, and unknotting operations and invariants. The final chapter explores virtual knots, including virtual knot invariants and virtual unknotting. AUTHOR: Allison Henrich is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics at Seattle University. Inga Johnson is Professor of Mathematics at Willamette University.