On the unknotting number of a welded knot

Abstract

The unknotting number of a welded knot is considered. First, we obtain an upper-bound of the unknotting number of a welded knot by using the warping degree method. Further, we introduce a standard welded torus knot with welded datum and obtain an upper bound of the unknotting number by an algorithm with warping degree method. Secondly, we get a lower bound of the unknotting number of a welded knot by Alexander quandle colorings. Finally, we give a definition of Gordian distance for welded knots analogous to the classical case.