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The fixed-endpoint path space $\Omega (p,q)$ consists of paths in a manifold with specified initial and terminal points. Smooth, piecewise smooth and Sobolev $H^1$ versions have the same homotopy type in the usual manifold setting. Joining a path to a fixed path back from $q$ to $p$ gives a homotopy equivalence with the based loop space.

For maps between simply connected spaces, a rational homology equivalence is a rational homotopy equivalence. It follows from the relative Hurewicz theorem modulo torsion, or from rationalization and the homological Whitehead theorem.

A weak homotopy equivalence between connected CW complexes is a homotopy equivalence. The analogous statement holds for Kan complexes.