On the degree of an equivariant map (Q3973660)

[For the entire collection see Zbl 0723.00028.] The author first defines the \(G\)-equivariant degree \(\text{deg}_ G(F)\) of a \(G\)-equivariant map \(F\) as the signature of a suitable \(G\)-invariant quadratic form. He also gives Damon's definition of the \(G\)-equivariant degree as an element of the ring of modular representations of the group \(G\), and shows the relation between the two definitions. Then, with some modifications in the arguments of Eisenbud-Levine, he proves a formula for \(\text{deg}_ G(F)\). He recalls his definition of the \(G\)-equivariant index \(i_ G(f)\) of a \(G\)-invariant germ of an analytic function \(f\), whose expression was earlier shown to coincide with the ordinary index of the gradient vector field of the germ \(f\), for the trivial group \(G\). Then, he gives a relation between \(i_ G(f)\) and \(\text{deg}_ G(\text{grad }f)\). It is observed that although the ordinary degree (for trivial \(G\)) of a germ \(F\) can be expressed in terms of invariants of real pre-images of the origin for a general perturbation \(\widetilde{F}\), this does not always hold for nontrivial \(G\), but it is true for \(G\) of odd order. Nevertheless, he shows how to describe \(\text{deg}_ G(F)\) in terms of invariants of real pre-images of the origin for a suitable map. Finally, very illustrative examples are discussed.