Knot theory

The trefoil knot is the simplest mathematical knot. It is impossible to untie without breaking the 'rope'.

Knot theory is the study of knots in mathematics. In knot theory, the ends of the rope are attached so that there is no possible way for the knot to be untied. Peter Guthrie Tait was the first person to make charts describing mathematical knots in the 1860s.

Related pages

• List of knots
• Topology

Further reading

• Richard H. Crowell and Ralph Fox, Introduction to Knot Theory, 1977, ISBN 0-387-90272-4
• Gerhard Burde and Heiner Zieschang, Knots, De Gruyter Studies in Mathematics, 1985, Walter de Gruyter, ISBN 3-11-008675-1
• Louis H. Kauffman, On Knots, 1987, ISBN 0-691-08435-1