# Definition of k -quasisymmetric maps on S^1

I know the definition of k -quasi-symmetric maps $f$ on $R$,it is

there exists $k>0$ such that $\frac{1}{k}\leq\frac{f(x+t)-f(x)}{f(x)-f(x-t)} \leq k \forall x,t\in R.$

So I just want to double check the definition of the same for circle, since I was not able to find a specific definition :

Can I say $h: S^1\to S^1$ is k -quasisymmtric, if any lift $\tilde{h}: R\to R$ of $h$ is k -quasisymmtric according to the definition of a k-q.s. map$:R\to R$. This dfinition does not dpend on which lift I choose.

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Is there a reason why you don't want to work with the metric definition of qs-maps? –  Tapio Rajala Apr 11 '11 at 15:28
Actually I just know the definition of k -qs maps on $R$, but not for any other space. My question was : what is a definition for k -qs maps $S^1\to S^1$ ? Can I use the definition using the covering space ? And what is the metric definition for k -qs maps on the circle that you mentioned ? –  Analysis Now Apr 12 '11 at 10:53
You are right: the exact same definition is true for the circle. There is no need to lift your map. So, a homeomorphism $h:S^{1} \rightarrow S^{1}$ is k-quasisymmetric if, for any two intervals $I_{1}$, $I_{2}$ with a common endpoint and having same length ($\vert I_{1}\vert=\vert I_{2} \vert$), we have the following: $$\frac{\vert h(I_{1}) \vert}{\vert h(I_{2}) \vert} \leq k$$