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2 votes
0 answers
73 views

Is parquetability decidable?

Let $T\neq \emptyset$ be a finite subset of $\mathbb{Z}\times\mathbb{Z}$. We say that $\mathbb{Z}^2 = \mathbb{Z}\times\mathbb{Z}$ is parquettable by $T$ if there is a partition $\frak P$ of $\mathbb{Z}...
1 vote
1 answer
221 views

What properties are preserved by quasi-isometries

Recently, I came across the notion of quasi-isometries, while thinking of "discrete spaces which are surrogates for approximate continuous ones". What (metric)/geometric properties are ...
3 votes
0 answers
117 views

Can a laser hit all the mirrors out of order?

For this question, a "cycle" is a sequence of distinct points $X = (x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_k)\in\mathbb{R}^3$ which defines a piecewise linear path starting at $x_1$ and visiting the points in ...
21 votes
2 answers
1k views

Forbidden mirror sequences

Let $\cal{M}$ be a finite collection of two-sided mirrors, each an open unit-length segment in $\mathbb{R^2}$, and such that the segments when closed are disjoint. A ray of light that reflects off the ...
3 votes
0 answers
187 views

Approximating any $d$-dimensional convex shape that occupies a constant fraction of its bounding box with a polytope having $\mathrm{poly}(d)$ facets

Given any convex set $A\in\mathbb{R}^d$, we denote by $V(A)$ its $d$-volume. Furthermore, given any two convex sets $A_1,A_2\in\mathbb{R}^d$, we denote by $V_{A_1,A_2}$ the $d$-volume of the symmetric ...
3 votes
1 answer
386 views

Pointers/Papers on subdivision of planar quadrilateral meshes (PQ-Mesh) in 3D?

I'm interested in the subdivision of planar quadrilateral meshes (PQ-Meshes). Meshes consisting only of planar quadrilaterals, like discrete Voss surfaces and alike. I've been searching the web for ...
1 vote
0 answers
85 views

More on triangles inscribed in convex regions with one vertex fixed

We add a bit to On maximum perimeter triangles inscribed in convex regions with one vertex fixed. Let C be a convex planar region and P a point on its boundary. Are there convex shapes C other than (...
20 votes
0 answers
433 views

Is the dodecahedron flexible (as a polytope with fixed edge-lengths)?

Consider the (regular) dodecahedron $D\subset\Bbb R^3$. I want to continuously deform it so that throughout the deformation it stays a convex polytope, it stays a combinatorial dodecahedron (i.e. its ...
1 vote
0 answers
77 views

Lattice packing

Let $\Lambda$ be a lattice in $R^n$ and $R>0$ a real number. Consider the number $N$ of points in $\Lambda$ of norm less than $R$. Let $R$ goes to infinity. What can be said about the asymptotic ...
3 votes
1 answer
116 views

Distance of average of points to center of minimum enclosing ball

Let $v_1, ..., v_n$ be distinct points in $\{0,1\}^d$ with the same norm $\|v_i\|_2=k$ (i.e each $v_i$ has $k$ ones). Let $A=\frac{1}{n}\sum_{i=1}^n v_i$ be their average, and let $C$ be the center of ...
4 votes
1 answer
142 views

How many regular d-dimensional simplices of side length 1/2 are required to cover a regular d-dimensional simplex of side length 1?

For positive integers $n$ and $d$ satisfying $d = n-1$, let the $d$-dimensional regular simplex of side-length $\sqrt{2}$ be $X = \{(x_1, x_2, \cdots, x_n) \in \mathbb{R}^n: x_1+x_2+\cdots + x_n = 1, ...
7 votes
0 answers
162 views

Approximating any convex shape in $\mathbb{R}^d$ with a polytope having $\mathrm{poly}(d)$ facets

We denote by $V(A)$ the $d$-volume of any convex set $A$. Furthermore, given any two convex sets $A,B\in\mathbb{R}^d$, we denote by $V_{A,B}$ the $d$-volume of the symmetric difference $V\left(A \...
6 votes
2 answers
215 views

Partition of polygons into 'strongly acute' and 'strongly obtuse' triangles

Definition: Let us refer to obtuse triangles with the largest angle strictly above a given cutoff value as 'strongly obtuse' - the definition is parametrized by the cutoff value. Likewise, strongly ...
1 vote
0 answers
100 views

All 3-dimensional symmetric reflexive polytopes

$\DeclareMathOperator\Conv{Conv}$I am finding all 3-dimensional symmetric reflexive polytopes. To do so, first, we know that all 2 dim symmetric reflexive polytopes are $X_3=\Conv((-1,-1),(1,0),(0,1))$...
2 votes
1 answer
190 views

Estimating the volume of a convex shape in higher dimensions based only on normal sections

We are given a $d$-dimensional convex shape $S$ inscribed in the hypercube $[-1,1]^d$. We want find an approximation of its volume based only on a set of curves given by the intersection of the $S$ ...
4 votes
4 answers
536 views

Vertex-transitive polytopes in any dimension with any number of vertices?

Given positive integers $d$ and $v$ with $v \geq d+1$, does there always exist a (convex) vertex-transitive $d$-polytope with $v$ vertices? It seems that the answer should be "obviously" true, but I ...
1 vote
0 answers
48 views

Inside-out dissection

In a recent problem in The College Math Journal (1230) a Heronian triangle is called to have an equivalent rectangle if there exists an integer sided rectangle with the same area and perimeter. For ...
4 votes
2 answers
312 views

Which convex pentagon gives least packing density?

Among all convex pentagons, does the regular pentagon give least packing density? Further question: For each $n > 6$, is the regular $n$-gon the minimum of packing density? An analogous question ...
1 vote
1 answer
96 views

A 'natural' enumerable metric space with integral distances which is essentially the Euclidean space

It is easy to construct a metric space $E_d$ such that all points of $E_d$ are at mutually integral distance and such that there is a map $\varphi$ from $E_d$ into the $d$-dimensional Euclidean space ...
13 votes
3 answers
388 views

Intersecting cylinders around a sphere

Intersecting $n$ unit-radius cylinders, each with axis through the origin, produces a shape circumscribed about a unit-radius sphere:     My question is: For each $n$, which arrangement of cylinders ...
5 votes
1 answer
430 views

Volume of a shape whose boundary consists of portions of spheres symmetrically placed about the origin in $d\gg 1$ dimensions

We are given a convex shape $S$ in the $d$-dimensional Euclidean space, whose boundary is formed by portions of $2d$ different spheres, one portion per sphere. The radius of each sphere is the same, $...
15 votes
3 answers
9k views

$n$-dimensional Voronoi diagram

I need to compute the Voronoi diagram of a set of points in $R^n$. I'm quite unschooled on the topic, could someone point me to the right references so that I can a) understand the theory behind it; b)...
7 votes
2 answers
393 views

Partitioning convex polygons into triangles of equal area and perimeter

This post is based on https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/2822589/dissect-square-into-triangles-of-same-perimeter, On a possible variant of Monsky's theorem and Cutting convex polygons into ...
16 votes
4 answers
2k views

Point sets in Euclidean space with a small number of distinct distances

It is well known and not hard to prove that the regular simplex in n-dimensions is the only way to place n+1 points so that the distance between distinct pairs of points is always the same. My general ...
2 votes
1 answer
308 views

Intersection of the simplex with a linear subspace of codimension $2$

The sets are defined in $\mathbb{R}_+^n$ $(n\geq 1)$. The relative interior of a convex set $C$ is denoted $\mathring C$. Let $S$ be the $n$-simplex: $$S=\left\{x\in\mathbb{R}_+^n,\,\sum_{i=1}^n x_i=1\...
34 votes
6 answers
8k views

Covering a unit ball with balls half the radius

This is a direct (and obvious) generalization of the recent MO question, "Covering disks with smaller disks": How many balls of radius $\frac{1}{2}$ are needed to cover completely a ball of ...
6 votes
3 answers
365 views

Sliding through a curvature-bounded tube: Maximum volume?

My 1st question has a straightforward answer but I'd appreciate hints on a proof. My 2nd question is open from my point of view. Q1. Is it the case that the maximum convex volume body inside a ...
3 votes
0 answers
141 views

Optimal intersections between planar convex regions

Here is an earlier discussion that could be related: On comparing planar convex regions of equal perimeter and area We are broadly interested in placing two given planar convex regions so that the ...
15 votes
1 answer
838 views

Ratio of circumscribed/inscribed $(n{-}1)$-gons

As a discrete analog of the MO question, "Löwner-John Ellipsoid: incribed and circumscribed," I've been wondering what might be the maximum ratio of this quantity? Let $P$ be a convex ...
1 vote
0 answers
111 views

Maximizing the minimum curvature of a convex shape with a given volume in higher dimensions

Given any $d$-dimensional convex shape $S$ in the Euclidean space with $d\gg 1$, let $K_{\min}(S)$ be the minimum value of the Gaussian curvature of its boundary. Question: What is the maximum value $...
3 votes
1 answer
218 views

Bounding the number of facets of a polytope to approximate a given convex shape in higher dimensions

We are given a convex shape $S$ lying inside the hypercube $[0,1]^d$ in the $d$-dimensional Euclidean space. Let the volume $V(S)$ of $S$ be $\tfrac12$ (I guess nothing changes for any other fixed ...
4 votes
0 answers
144 views

Approximation of a convex shape in the $d$-dimensional Euclidean space for $d\gg 1$

We are given a convex shape $C$ lying inside the hypercube $[0,1]^d$ in the $d$-dimensional Euclidean space. Let the volume of $C$ be $\tfrac12$ (I guess nothing changes for any other fixed constant ...
8 votes
1 answer
361 views

Inscribed $n$-polytope with $2^n$ vertices of maximal volume

The question is in the title: Question: Which inscribed $n$-dimensional polytope (inscribed in the unit sphere) with $2^n$ vertices has the largest possible volume? Is it the $n$-dimensional cube? ...
25 votes
3 answers
945 views

Are there arbitrarily large families of lines in $\Bbb R^3$ with average angle $\ge \pi/3$?

Question: Can I have an arbitrarily large finite family of lines $\ell_1,\dotsc,\ell_n\subset\Bbb R^3$ so that the average angle between two (distinct) lines is $\ge \pi/3$? We can assume that all ...
1 vote
1 answer
164 views

Partitioning convex polygons into quadrilaterals of equal area and perimeter

This post records a little bit more on this question: Partitioning convex polygons into triangles of equal area and perimeter. The basic question of the above linked post was about this claim: "&...
3 votes
0 answers
53 views

Endpoints of intrinsic diameter of a convex polyhedron

Let $P$ be a convex polyhedron in $\mathbb{R}^3$, and $d(P)$ its intrinsic diameter, i.e., the longest shortest surface path between two points. Say that $P$ is of class $D_0$ if neither endpoint of $...
14 votes
7 answers
2k views

Finite set of non-collinear points on plane with every point having ≥ 3 equidistant neighbors? [closed]

Does there exist a finite set of points on the Euclidean plane, such that: No 3 points are collinear, and Every one of the points has (at least) three other points in the set at the same distance ...
0 votes
0 answers
49 views

When can a compact metric space be covered by finitely many nearly-disjoint closed and convex sets?

This question is a follow-up of the following negative question. Let $(X,d)$ be a (non-empty) compact metric space. More generally than in the first post, I'll call a set of non-empty subsets $C_1,\...
3 votes
2 answers
438 views

If a polytope is centrally symmetric and combinatorially equivalent to a zonotope, is it a zonotope?

A zonotope is a polytope whose 2-faces are centrally symmetric. Question: If a polytope $P$ is centrally symmetric and combinatorially equivalent to a zonotope, is it itself a zonotope?
5 votes
0 answers
177 views

Tiling with triangles of same circumradius and inradius

Consider a pair of positive real numbers $r$ and $R$ with $r<R/2$. Then we can form infinitely many triangles all with circumradius $R$ and inradius $r$. For any such pair, the resulting triangles ...
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

Embedding points in 2D based on distance estimates?

Suppose we have a collection of exactly $N$ points (say $N=1000$), with each point belonging to 2-dimensional Euclidean space $\mathbb{R}^2$, but we don't know the coordinates of the points. Suppose ...
4 votes
1 answer
142 views

On polyhedrons with specified numbers of congruent faces

Basic question: Given 3 integers n, n1 and n2 such that n1+n2 = n, to form an n-face polyhedron such that n1 of its faces are mutually congruent and the remaining n2 faces are different but congruent ...
2 votes
1 answer
518 views

When can a folded polygon be isometrically (locally) embedded into R^3?

I am interested in 3-D representations of various things that naturally live in a non-simply-connected compact surface. There is the usual way of producing a compact surface of any orientable or non-...
6 votes
2 answers
544 views

On circles and ellipses drawn on an infinite planar square lattice

Consider a plane with a square lattice formed by all points with both coordinates as integers. As can be easily seen, a simple parabola can be found that passes through infinitely many of the square ...
21 votes
5 answers
1k views

Is a rhombus rigid on a sphere or torus? And generalizations

If a rectangle is formed from rigid bars for edges and joints at vertices, then it is flexible in the plane: it can flex to a parallelogram. On any smooth surface with a metric, one can define a ...
3 votes
1 answer
94 views

Convex polygon shadows: Shortest equivalent segments

Let $P$ be a convex polygon. Q1. What is the shortest collection of line segments $S$ inside $P$ with the property that both $P$ and $S$ have the same sequence of orthogonal shadows as $P$ and $S$ ...
16 votes
1 answer
888 views

Kakeya crossed-needles problem

The Kakeya needle problem asks for the minimum area planar region in which one can completely turn around a line segment through a series of translations and rotations. There is no minimum: There are &...
24 votes
1 answer
770 views

Given a group action on a simplex, can I always find a fundamental region that is a simplex?

Let $\Delta\subset\Bbb R^n$ be a simplex with $n+1$ vertices. Let $G\subset\mathrm{GL}(\Bbb R^n)$ be a finite group of linear symmetries of $\Delta$, i.e. linear transformations that fix the simplex ...
22 votes
1 answer
696 views

Rational inscribed realization of the regular dodecahedron

While it is clear that the regular dodecahedron $D$ cannot be realized with all integer coordinates, it is easy to find a polytope, which is combinatorially equivalent (face lattice isomorphic) to $D$ ...
3 votes
1 answer
152 views

Triangles that can be cut into mutually congruent and non-convex polygons

It is easy to note that an equilateral triangle can be cut into 3 mutually congruent and non-convex polygons (replace the 3 lines meeting at centroid and separating out the 3 congruent quadrilaterals ...

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