In differential topology, a mathematical discipline, and more specifically in Morse theory, a gradient-like vector field is a generalization of gradient vector field.
The primary motivation is as a technical tool in the construction of Morse functions, to show that one can construct a function whose critical points are at distinct levels.
One first constructs a Morse function, then uses gradient-like vector fields to move around the critical points, yielding a different Morse function.
Given a Morse function f on a manifold M, a gradient-like vector field X for the function f is, informally: Formally:[1] and on which X equals the gradient of f. The associated dynamical system of a gradient-like vector field, a gradient-like dynamical system, is a special case of a Morse–Smale system.
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