Relations between the Jones and Q polynomials for 2-bridge and 3-braid links (Q1106510)

\textit{V. F. R. Jones} discovered a polynomial invariant of an oriented knot or link in a 3-sphere through representations of the braid groups, and for 3 and 4-braid knots he gave formulas which relate the 2-variable Jones polynomial and the Alexander polynomial [Ann. Math., II. Ser. 126, 335-388 (1987; Zbl 0631.57005)]. Interpreting the Kauffman polynomial from the viewpoint of the representation theory, \textit{J. Murakami} [Osaka J. Math. 24, 745-748 (1987)] gave a formula relating the Jones polynomial and the Q-polynomial of a 3-braid knot or link. The main result is: Let L be a 2-bridge knot or link, and Q(x) and V(t) its Q-polynomial and Jones polynomial, respectively. Then \(Q(x)=2x^{-1}V(-u)V(-u^{-1})+1-2x^{- 1},\) where \(x=u+u^{-1}\). A brief proof using Kauffman's bracket polynomial is given, and then a new proof for J. Murakami's formula using this theorem is given. The braid index of a knot or link L is the smallest number n for which L is represented as an n-braid knot or link. The Morton-Franks-Williams formula about the 2-variable Jones polynomial is strong enough to decide the braid indices of all prime knots of 10 crossings or less except five knots. It is proved by Murasugi and Morton that each of them has braid index 4. Here a new proof using J. Murakami's formula is given.