K2 of a Ring via the G-Construction

We interpret the Steinberg symbols x_i,j(a) as homotopies contracting the elementary matrices e_i,j(a), the latters being represented by certain arcs in a simplicial model of the K-theory. We further prove the Steinberg relations for these homotopies. This provides an explicit map from K₂ of a ring, defined classically as ker(St(R) → GL(R)), to π₂ of the G-construction assigned to R. Though the two groups are known to be isomorphic, a certain work is to be done to prove that this explicit map is an isomorphism. Mathematics Subject Classification 1991: Primary 19B99, 19D99; secondary 18E10, 18F25.