Link (mathematics)

In mathematics, a link is a collection of knots which may be linked (or knotted) together.

Related Topics:
Mathematics - Knot

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More formally, a link is a subspace of 3-dimensional Euclidean space (or often the 3-sphere) whose connected components are homeomorphic to circles. A knot can be described as a link with one component. Links and knots are studied in a branch of mathematics called knot theory.

Related Topics:
Subspace - Euclidean space - 3-sphere - Connected component - Homeomorphic - Circle - Knot theory

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The simplest nontrivial example of a link with more than one component is called the Hopf link, which consists of two circles (or unknots) linked together once. Borromean rings form a link with three components each equivalent to the unknot.

Related Topics:
Hopf link - Unknot - Borromean rings

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