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Distance Geometry
Distance geometry is the branch of mathematics concerned with characterizing and studying sets of points based ''only'' on given values of the distances between pairs of points. More abstractly, it is the study of semimetric spaces and the isometric transformations between them. In this view, it can be considered as a subject within general topology. Historically, the first result in distance geometry is Heron's formula in 1st century AD. The modern theory began in 19th century with work by Arthur Cayley, followed by more extensive developments in the 20th century by Karl Menger and others. Distance geometry problems arise whenever one needs to infer the shape of a configuration of points (relative positions) from the distances between them, such as in biology, sensor network, surveying, navigation, cartography, and physics. Introduction and definitions The concepts of distance geometry will first be explained by describing two particular problems. First problem: hyperbol ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Characterization (mathematics)
In mathematics, a characterization of an object is a set of conditions that, while different from the definition of the object, is logically equivalent to it. To say that "Property ''P'' characterizes object ''X''" is to say that not only does ''X'' have property ''P'', but that ''X'' is the ''only'' thing that has property ''P'' (i.e., ''P'' is a defining property of ''X''). Similarly, a set of properties ''P'' is said to characterize ''X'', when these properties distinguish ''X'' from all other objects. Even though a characterization identifies an object in a unique way, several characterizations can exist for a single object. Common mathematical expressions for a characterization of ''X'' in terms of ''P'' include "''P'' is necessary and sufficient for ''X''", and "''X'' holds if and only if ''P''". It is also common to find statements such as "Property ''Q'' characterizes ''Y'' up to isomorphism". The first type of statement says in different words that the extension of ''P' ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
