The Homotopy Continuation Method: Numerically Implementable Topological Procedures

The homotopy continuation method involves numerically finding the solution of a problem by starting from the solution of a known problem and continuing the solution as the known problem is homotoped to the given problem. The process is axiomatized and an algebraic topological condition is given that guarantees the method will work. A number of examples are presented that involve fixed points, zeroes of maps, singularities of vector fields, and bifurcation. As an adjunct, proofs using differential rather than algebraic techniques are given for the Borsuk-Ulam Theorem and the Rabinowitz Bifurcation Theorem.