On the inversive differential geometry of plane curves (Q2639347): Difference between revisions

The authors give a very instructive description of the differential geometry of curves in the Möbius plane \(S^ 2\). In particular, they emphasize the conformal character of the four vertex theorem, and prove the following generalization: If \(\gamma\) is a smooth, null-homotopic, simple closed curve on a complete Riemannian surface M of constant curvature, then the geodesic curvature of \(\gamma\) has at least four local extrema.