Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2869
Date of Award
6-2024
Degree Name
MS in Mathematics
Department/Program
Mathematics
College
College of Science and Mathematics
Advisor
Anton Kaul
Advisor Department
Mathematics
Advisor College
College of Science and Mathematics
Abstract
Mikhail Gromov’s work on hyperbolic groups in the late 1980s contributed to the formation of geometric group theory as a distinct branch of mathematics. The creation of hyperbolic metric spaces showed it was possible to define a large class of hyperbolic groups entirely geometrically yet still be able to derive significant algebraic properties. The objectives of this thesis are to provide an introduction to geometric group theory through the lens of quasi-isometry and show how hyperbolic groups have solvable word problem. Also included is the Stability Theorem as an intermediary result for quasi-isometry invariance of hyperbolicity.