Alternation numbers of torus knots with small braid index

Abstract

We calculate the alternating number of torus knots with braid index 4 and less. For the lower bound, we use the upsilon-invariant recently introduced by Ozsv\'ath, Stipsicz, and Szab\'o. For the upper bound, we use a known bound for braid index $3$ and a new bound for braid index $4$. Both bounds coincide, so that we obtain a sharp result.