Jones polynomial evaluation at one
= Jones polynomial evaluation at one
{c}
{title2=$V_L(1)=(-2)^{\ell-1}$}
For a nonempty <link> with $\ell$ components, the <Jones polynomial skein relation> at $t=1$ makes a crossing change preserve the value. Crossing changes turn the <link> into an <unlink> with the same number of components. Repeated <Jones polynomial of a split union> gives the formula. In particular the <Jones polynomial> is never the zero <polynomial>.