(a) Suppose that γ:[0,1]→C is continuous with γ(0)=γ(1) and γ(t)=0 for all t∈[0,1]. Show that if γ(0)=∣γ(0)∣exp(iθ0) (with θ0 real) we can define a continuous function θ:[0,1]→R such that θ(0)=θ0 and γ(t)=∣γ(t)∣exp(iθ(t)). Hence define the winding number w(γ)=w(0,γ) of γ around 0 .
(b) Show that w(γ) can take any integer value.
(c) If γ1 and γ2 satisfy the requirements of the definition, and (γ1×γ2)(t)=γ1(t)γ2(t), show that
w(γ1×γ2)=w(γ1)+w(γ2)
(d) If γ1 and γ2 satisfy the requirements of the definition and ∣γ1(t)−γ2(t)∣<∣γ1(t)∣ for all t∈[0,1], show that
w(γ1)=w(γ2)
(e) State and prove a theorem that says that winding number is unchanged under an appropriate homotopy.