Paper 2, Section II, G

Algebraic Topology
Part II, 2016

(a) Let K,LK, L be simplicial complexes, and f:KLf:|K| \rightarrow|L| a continuous map. What does it mean to say that g:KLg: K \rightarrow L is a simplicial approximation to f?f ?

(b) Define the barycentric subdivision of a simplicial complex KK, and state the Simplicial Approximation Theorem.

(c) Show that if gg is a simplicial approximation to ff then fgf \simeq|g|.

(d) Show that the natural inclusion K(1)K\left|K^{(1)}\right| \rightarrow|K| induces a surjective map on fundamental groups.