Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2005 / iii / Paper 66 / 5 / ii

Evaluate all quantities at $(u_0,v_0)$ and assume a regular surface point, $S_u\times S_v\ne 0$. The tangent plane passes through $S_0=S(u_0,v_0)$ and is spanned by $S_u,S_v$. ThusChoose the unit normal $n=(S_u\times S_v)/\Vert S_u\times S_v\Vert$. The first fundamental form has coefficientswhile the second fundamental form has coefficientsTo derive the curvature formula, differentiate $n\cdot S_u=n\cdot S_v=0$. This gives $-n_u\cdot S_u=e$, $-n_u\cdot S_v=f$, $-n_v\cdot S_u=f$ and $-n_v\cdot S_v=g$. Therefore the shape operator $-dn$, expressed in the tangent basis, isIts eigenvalues are the principal curvatures. Their product, the Gaussian curvature, is its determinant:Regularity ensures $EG-F^2=\Vert S_u\times S_v{\Vert }^2>0$. Reversing $n$ changes the signs of $e,f,g$ and both principal curvatures but leaves $K$ unchanged. At a singular parameter point this quotient and the cross-product normal vector are undefined; an alternative regular chart or separate geometric analysis is required.