THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS

THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS
Smoothness of the signed distance function: A simple proof
Johann Davidov

Abstract

The paper is of pedagogical nature and is aimed mainly at students. It presents a detailed proof of the well-known fact that if the boundary of an open set in ${R}^n$ is of class $C^k$, $k\geq 2$, so is the signed distance to the boundary function. This function plays an important role in problems of Analysis and Geometry. The presented proof could give a teacher a good opportunity to discuss important theorems in Calculus.

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Keywords: Signed distance function; smooth boundary.

DOI: 10.57016/TM-DVLA5418

Pages:  14$-$21     

Volume  XXVI ,  Issue  1 ,  2023