Topology Explains Why Automobile Sunshades Fold Oddly

Automobile sunshades always fold into an "odd" number of loops. The explanation why involves elementary topology (braid theory and linking number, both explained in detail here with definitions and examples), and an elementary fact from algebra about symmetric group.

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	The College mathematics journal Vol. 40; no. 2; pp. 93 - 98
Main Authors:	Feist, Curtis, Naimi, Ramin
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Washington Taylor & Francis 01-03-2009 Mathematical Association of America Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects:	Absolute value Algebra Automobiles Braided composites Braiding College Mathematics Mathematical analysis Mathematical Concepts Mathematics Instruction Odd numbers Parasols Teaching Methods Theorems Topology Zero
Online Access:	Get full text
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Description
Summary:	Automobile sunshades always fold into an "odd" number of loops. The explanation why involves elementary topology (braid theory and linking number, both explained in detail here with definitions and examples), and an elementary fact from algebra about symmetric group.
ISSN:	0746-8342 1931-1346
DOI:	10.1080/07468342.2009.11922343