Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2009/ib/paper-4/12g/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2009 ib Paper 4 12G Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-14
Parametrize the graph by . The first fundamental form has coefficients , , . With unit normal , the second fundamental form has coefficients , , and . Consequently the Gaussian curvature of a graph surface is
A compact embedded surface has a highest point in the vertical direction. At that point its tangent plane is horizontal, so it is locally a graph with a local maximum of . Its Hessian matrix is negative semidefinite, giving and hence . Thus the Gaussian curvature cannot be everywhere negative.
An embedded ring torus, with major radius larger than minor radius , is a compact surface without boundary. Its standard parametrization is , and the Gaussian curvature of a ring torus isSince the denominator is positive, curvature is positive on the outer side and negative on the inner side, so this example changes sign.
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