Let $F$ be a smooth (i.e. $C^{\infty}$) closed surface. Call a continuous map $f\colon F\rightarrow \mathbb{R}^2$ an [i]almost-immersion[/i] if there exists a smooth closed embedded curve $\gamma$ (possibly disconnected) in $F$ such that $f$ is smooth and of maximal rank (i.e., rank 2) on $F\backslash \gamma$ and each point $p\in\gamma$ admits local coordinate charts $(x,y)$ and $(u,v)$ about $p$ and $f(p)$, respectively, such taht the coordinates of $p$ and $f(p)$ are zero and the map $f$ is given by $(x,y)\rightarrow (u,v), u=|x|, v=y$. Determine the genera of those smooth, closed, connected, orientable surfaces $F$ that admit an almost-immersion in the plane with the curve $\gamma$ having a given positive number $n$ of connected components.

A circle of perimeter $1$ has been dissected into four equal arcs $B_1, B_2, B_3, B_4$. A closed smooth non-selfintersecting curve $C$ has been composed of translates of these arcs (each $B_j$ possibly occurring several times). Prove that the length of $C$ is an integer.

Consider a curve with the following property: [i]inside the curve one can move an inscribed equilateral triangle so that each vertex of the triangle moves along the curve and draws the whole curve[/i]. Clearly, every circle possesses the property. Find a closed planar curve without self-intersections, that has the property but is not a circle.

Show that any curve of unit length can be covered by a closed rectangle of area $1 \slash 4$.

Let $K$ be a closed plane curve such that the distance between any two points of $K$ is always less than $1.$ Show that $K$ lies in a circle of radius $\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}.$