How can we construct a chain homotopy between homotopic chain maps?

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    2017
In summary, a chain homotopy between two homotopic chain maps is a continuous family of maps that satisfies the homotopy relation. Its purpose is to show that two chain maps are homotopic, and it must satisfy three key properties: continuity, preservation of the boundary operator, and the homotopy relation. To construct a chain homotopy, a map that satisfies this relation must be defined using a combination of algebraic techniques and geometric intuition. There are various applications of constructing chain homotopies in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
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Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $(\mathcal{C}, \partial)$ be a chain complex of abelian groups. Suppose $f, g : \mathcal{C} \to \mathcal{C}$ are homotopic chain maps. Construct an explicit chain homotopy between the $n$-fold compositions $f^n$ and $g^n$.-----

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No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
Let $\Delta^1$ be a chain homotopy from $f$ to $g$, and consider the sequence $\Delta_k^1 := f_{k+1}D_{k} + D_k g_k$. Then $\Delta^1 = \{\Delta_n\}_{n \ge 1}$ is a chain homotopy from $f^2$ to $g^2$. Indeed, since $f_k\partial_{k+1} = \partial_{k+1} f_{k+1}$ and $\partial_k g_k = g_{k-1}\partial_{k}$, then

$$f_k^2 - g_k^2 = f_k(f_k - g_k) + (f_k - g_k)g_k $$
$$= f_k(\partial_{k+1} D_k + D_{k-1}\partial_k) + (\partial_{k+1}D_k + D_{k-1}\partial_k)g_k$$
$$= (f_k \partial_{k+1})D_k + f_k D_{k-1}\partial_k + \partial_{k+1}D_k g_k+ D_{k-1}(\partial_k g_k) $$
$$=(\partial_{k+1} f_{k+1}) D_k + f_k D_{k-1}\partial_k + \partial_{k+1}D_k g_k + D_{k-1}(g_{k-1}\partial_k) $$
$$= \partial_{k+1}(f_{k+1}D_k + D_k g_k) + (f_k D_{k-1} + D_{k-1}g_{k-1})\partial_k$$
$$= \partial_{k+1}\Delta_k^1 + \Delta_{k-1}^1 \partial_k$$

Inductively, having defined chain homotopies $\Delta^j: f^{j+1} \cong g^{j+1}$ for $1 \le j < n$, consider the map $\Delta^n$ given by $\Delta_k^n = f_{k+1}\Delta_k^{n-1} + D_k g_k$. Then $\Delta^n$ gives a chain homotopy from $f^{n+1}$ to $g^{n+1}$. The recurrence yields an explicit solution

$$\Delta_k^n = f_{k + 1}^n D_{k+1} + \sum_{1 \le j < n} f_{k + 1}^j D_k g_k$$
 

FAQ: How can we construct a chain homotopy between homotopic chain maps?

How do we define a chain homotopy between two homotopic chain maps?

A chain homotopy between two homotopic chain maps is a continuous family of maps that satisfies the homotopy relation. In other words, it is a map that interpolates between the two chain maps and preserves the algebraic structure of the chain complex.

What is the purpose of constructing a chain homotopy?

The purpose of constructing a chain homotopy is to show that two chain maps are homotopic, which means they can be continuously deformed into each other. This is an important concept in algebraic topology, as it allows us to study the properties of spaces and maps without having to consider their specific geometric features.

What are the key properties of a chain homotopy?

A chain homotopy must satisfy three key properties: it must be a continuous family of maps, it must preserve the boundary operator, and it must satisfy the homotopy relation. These properties allow us to prove that two chain maps are homotopic and to understand the relationship between their algebraic structures.

How do we construct a chain homotopy between two homotopic chain maps?

To construct a chain homotopy, we need to define a map that satisfies the homotopy relation. This usually involves finding a way to continuously deform one chain map into the other while preserving the algebraic structure of the chain complex. This can be achieved by using a combination of algebraic techniques and geometric intuition.

Are there any applications of constructing chain homotopies?

Yes, there are many applications of constructing chain homotopies in various fields of mathematics and science. In algebraic topology, it allows us to study the properties of spaces and maps using algebraic tools. In physics, chain homotopies are used to study the behavior of physical systems and to understand the relationship between different physical theories. Additionally, chain homotopies have applications in computer science, where they can be used to optimize algorithms and data structures.

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