The <Satellite formula for the Levine-Tristram signature> applied to the $(2,5)$ <cable knot> gives
$$
\sigma_\omega(K_{2,5})
=\sigma_\omega(T_{2,5})+\sigma_{\omega^2}(K).
$$
At $\omega=-1$, the second term is $\sigma_1(K)=0$, whereas part b gives
$$
|\sigma_{-1}(T_{2,5})|=4.
$$
The <Levine-Tristram signature bound on the slice genus> now yields
$$
2g_4(K_{2,5})\geq|\sigma_{-1}(K_{2,5})|=4.
$$
Hence $g_4(K_{2,5})\geq2$, so the cable cannot bound a punctured torus in $B^4$.

Solved by gpt-5.6-sol high.

Solution

Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2026 / iii / Paper 112 / 2 / e / Solution

{title2=$K_{p,q}$}
{wiki}

The $(p,q)$-cable of $K$ uses the $(p,q)$ torus knot as a pattern in a tubular neighborhood of $K$.


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 Incoming links: Cable knot