# Highest DeRahm Cohomology

Let $X$ be a $C^\infty$ manifold, compact oriented and connected of dimension $n$. How do you prove that the integration map $$\int_X: \omega \mapsto \int_X \omega$$ from $H^n_{DR}(X)$ to $\mathbb{R}$ is an isomorphism? (Without using Poincare duality).

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Here are the steps to do this:

1. Show that the formula you gave is well-defined (that is, show that it doesn't depend on the class of $w$). This is just Stokes' Theorem, assuming your manifold has no boundary. Linearity is obvious.

2. For surjectivity, since $M$ is oriented there exists a $n$-form $\omega_0$ such that $\int_M \omega_0 = c > 0$. Now just multiply $\omega_0$ by the appropriate constant.

3. Now note that both spaces have the same dimension, so integration must be an isomorphism.

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Alright, but why do both spaces have the same dimension? –  none Sep 14 '12 at 1:19
You are using the $n$-form right? Then this should follow by definition. –  Bombyx mori Sep 14 '12 at 1:36
I'm sorry, but I don't follow. Are you using Poincare duality here? –  none Sep 14 '12 at 1:37
The way I see it, injectivity of this map is the hard part of the question. –  none Sep 14 '12 at 2:13
Dear student, Is step 3 really as simple as noting something? You have to somehow show that if $\omega$ is an $n$-form for which $\int_X \omega = 0,$ then $\omega$ is a coboundary. Regards, –  Matt E Sep 14 '12 at 3:15