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Math Forum » Discussions » Math Topics » geometry.research.independent

Topic: Rotations in 3D
Replies: 5   Last Post: Aug 15, 1994 2:49 PM

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Mortenson

Posts: 20
Registered: 12/3/04
Rotations in 3D
Posted: Aug 7, 1994 7:04 AM
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In Simon L. Altmann's book 'Rotations, Quaternions, and Double Groups,'
Altman states (p.28), "Rotations, however, are an accident of
three-dimensional space. In spaces of any other dimensions, the
fundamental operations are reflections (mirrors)." I know that a rotation
can be represented by reflection transformations, that reflections are
more general, and that rotations can be performed in 2, 3, or N dimentions.
So, what do you suppose Altman means when he says rotations are an
'accident of three-dimensional space?'

Mike Mortenson
mortnson@olympus.net

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