Given a parametrized smooth embedded surface σ:V→U⊂R3, where V is an open subset of R2 with coordinates (u,v), and a point P∈U, define what is meant by the tangent space at P, the unit normal N at P, and the first fundamental form
Edu2+2Fdudv+Gdv2.
[You need not show that your definitions are independent of the parametrization.]
The second fundamental form is defined to be
Ldu2+2Mdudv+Ndv2,
where L=σuu⋅N,M=σuv⋅N and N=σvv⋅N. Prove that the partial derivatives of N (considered as a vector-valued function of u,v ) are of the form Nu=aσu+bσv, Nv=cσu+dσv, where
−(LMMN)=(acbd)(EFFG)
Explain briefly the significance of the determinant ad−bc.