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Question

Math 6510 • Differentiable Manifolds

Fall 2016 • Question 5

Suppose \(f:M\to N\) is a smooth function of smooth manifolds. Suppose \(Q\) is an embedded submanifold of \(N\), and that \(f\) is transverse to \(Q\). Prove that if \(p\in f^{-1}(Q)\), then \[ T_p(f^{-1}(Q))=(D_pf)^{-1}[T_{f(p)}Q]. \] (The above line says that the tangent space for \(f^{-1}(Q)\) at \(p\) is the inverse image of the tangent space of \(Q\) at \(f(p)\) under the differential of \(f\) at \(p\).)

Raw LaTeX

Suppose \(f:M\to N\) is a smooth function of smooth manifolds. Suppose \(Q\) is
an embedded submanifold of \(N\), and that \(f\) is transverse to \(Q\). Prove that if
\(p\in f^{-1}(Q)\), then
\[
  T_p(f^{-1}(Q))=(D_pf)^{-1}[T_{f(p)}Q].
\]
(The above line says that the tangent space for \(f^{-1}(Q)\) at \(p\) is the inverse
image of the tangent space of \(Q\) at \(f(p)\) under the differential of \(f\) at \(p\).)