Fundamental class

The fundamental class is a way to describe the basic building blocks of a shape or space. Think of it like a set of LEGOs – each piece is like an "element" of the fundamental class.

For example, let's say we have a sphere. We can break the sphere down into smaller, simpler shapes like triangles or squares, and the edges and vertices that connect them. Each of these simpler shapes and the connections between them are part of the sphere's fundamental class.

The fundamental class is important because it helps us understand how different shapes and spaces are put together. By studying the fundamental class of a shape or space, mathematicians and scientists can learn more about its properties and behavior.