(a) Let γ:[0,1]→C\{0} be a continuous map such that γ(0)=γ(1). Define the winding number w(γ;0) of γ about the origin. State precisely a theorem about homotopy invariance of the winding number.
(b) Let B={z∈C:∣z∣⩽1} and let f:B→C be a continuous map satisfying
∣f(z)−z∣⩽1
for each z∈∂B.
(i) For 0⩽t⩽1, let γ(t)=f(e2πit). If γ(t)=0 for each t∈[0,1], prove that w(γ;0)=1.
[Hint: Consider a suitable homotopy between γ and the map γ1(t)=e2πit, 0⩽t⩽1.]
(ii) Deduce that f(z)=0 for some z∈B.