Euler's formula for polyhedra The earliest known equation in topology. If F is the number of faces of a polygon, E the number of edges, and V the number of vertices, Euler's formula can be written as For example, the surface of a cube has six (square) faces, twelve edges, and eight vertices and, sure enough, 6 - 12 + 8 = 2. The quantity F - E + V is known as the Euler characteristic. Related category SOLIDS AND SURFACES Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |