For a parametrized surface r(u,v), smooth at a point p, so that ru = ∂r/∂u and rv = ∂r/∂v is a basis for the tangent space, the second fundamental form is given by
where L = ruu·n, M = ruv·n, N = rvv·n, and n denotes the unit normal. Unlike the first fundamental form, which relates to the intrinsic metric properties of the surface, the second fundamental form relates to the embedding of the surface in ℝ3. For example, the cylinder and plane are locally isometric but have different second fundamental forms. The two fundamental forms must satisfy certain compatibility equations (one of which is given by the Theorema Egregium). Two surfaces in ℝ3 with the same fundamental forms are related by an isometry of ℝ3.