Tagged Questions

8
votes
1answer
81 views

Varieties with the property that the cotangent bundle restricted to a complete nonsingular curve is free

Let $X$ be a $d$-dimensional smooth projective connected variety with cotangent sheaf $\Omega^1_X$ over $\mathbb C$. Suppose that for any nonsingular complete curve $C$ and non-constant morphism ...
6
votes
1answer
80 views

Are varieties of Kodaira dimension zero precisely the varieties with torsion canonical sheaf

Let $B$ a smooth projective connected variety over $\mathbf C$. Suppose that $K_B$ is torsion. Then, clearly, the Kodaira dimension of $B$ is zero. Does the converse hold? That is, suppose that $B$ ...
7
votes
2answers
106 views

Are endomorphisms of degree one always automorphisms

Let $B$ be a smooth projective connected variety over $\mathbb C$. Let $\sigma:B\to B$ be an endomorphism of degree one. Do I understand correctly that $\sigma$ is an automorphism? I believe this ...
5
votes
1answer
49 views

Why do varieties with torsion canonical sheaf have finite etale covers with trivial canonical sheaf

Let $B$ be a variety with torsion canonical sheaf, i.e., $\omega^{\otimes n}_B \cong \mathcal O_B$ for some $n>0$. Then, why does there exist a finite (etale?) morphism $X\to B$ such that $K_X$ is ...
6
votes
0answers
50 views

Families of curves over number fields

Is there known a number field $K$ and a curve $F(x, y) \in K(t)[x, y]$ such that $F(x, y)$ does not have points over the field of rational functions $K(t)$ but for all but finitely many positive ...
3
votes
1answer
41 views

Does this diagram of Chern classes and push forwards commute

Let $p:Y\to X$ be a birational proper surjective morphism of regular surfaces, and let $D$ be a divisor on $Y$ such that $p(D)$ is a point. Then $p_\ast D =0$ by definition. Is there an easy way to ...
3
votes
1answer
39 views

Formula for index of $\Gamma_1(n)$ in SL$_2(\mathbf Z)$

Is there a precise formula for the index of the congruence group $\Gamma_1(n)$ in SL$_2(\mathbf Z)$? I couldn't find it in Diamond and Shurman, and neither could I find an explicit formula with a ...
4
votes
0answers
49 views

Why should automorphism groups of compact hyperbolic curves be finite

Let $X$ be a compact connected Riemann surface of genus at least two, or let $X$ be a smooth projective connected curve over an algebraically closed field of characateristic zero. Then Hurwitz proved ...
2
votes
0answers
31 views

Is there a construction known for associating a K3 surface to a curve or cover of curves

Let $X$ be a curve of genus at least two. Then one can associate an abelian variety to $X$; this is the Jacobian. Let $X\to Y$ be a double cover of curves. Then we can associate an abelian variety to ...
2
votes
1answer
44 views

Pulling-back a divisor and reducing it

Let $f:C\to B$ be a finite morphism of curves. Let $D$ be a divisor on $B$. Does the equality of divisors $$(f^\ast D)_{red} = f^\ast (D_{red})$$ hold on $C$? (I'm asking for an equality of divisors, ...
4
votes
1answer
57 views

Why is the rank of $f_\ast L$ the degree of $f$

Let $f:X\to Y$ be a finite morphism of curves. Let $L$ be a line bundle on $X$. Why is $f_\ast L$ a line bundle and is the degree of $f_\ast L$ equal to $\deg f$ or $\deg f+ \deg L$? Here is my ...
4
votes
0answers
114 views

If $X\times C$ is isomorphic to $Y\times C$, does it follow that $X$ is isomorphic to $Y$

Let $k$ be a field. Let $X$, $Y$ and $C$ be varieties over $k$ such that $X\times_k C $ is isomorphic to $Y\times_k C$. Assume that $C$ is a curve. (The varieties $X$, $Y$ and $C$ are assumed to be ...
4
votes
1answer
53 views

The canonical divisor of the projective line

Let $A$ be a ring. Assume it has some nice properties if necessary, e.g., $A$ is a Dedekind domain. Let $\mathbf{P}^1_A$ be the projective line over $A$. I want to show that $-2 [\infty]$ is a ...
2
votes
1answer
73 views

Why do number rings have no endomorphisms

This question is about the analogy between number fields and function fields. It's a soft question and the title misrepresents the question. Consider the projective line over a field. This has many ...
1
vote
2answers
52 views

Factorizing rational functions of curves

Let $f:X\to \mathbf{P}^1$ be a rational function of degree $d\geq 2$ on a curve $X$. Let $n\geq 2$ be a divisor of $d$. Does there exist a curve $Y$ with a rational function $g:Y\to \mathbf{P}^1$ of ...
3
votes
1answer
64 views

Does de Franchis' theorem hold over any base field

Let $k$ be a field and let $X$ be a hyperbolic curve over $k$. Then, there are only finitely many hyperbolic curves $Y$ over $k$ dominated by $X$. I know this statement holds over $k=\mathbf{C}$. In ...
0
votes
1answer
56 views

Representing a curve as a plane curve in different ways

Let $X$ be a (smooth projective geometrically connected) curve over $k$, where $k$ is a field of characteristic zero. We assume $X$ has genus at least $2$. I know that $X$ has a plane model. More ...
5
votes
1answer
77 views

The number of curves of given genus over a field

Let $k$ be a field. Let $g\geq 0$ be an integer. I have an elementary question. Let $N$ be the "number" of $k$-isomorphism classes of smooth projective geometrically connected curves over $k$ of ...
2
votes
1answer
83 views

the elliptic curves with j-invariant zero

Let $B\in K^\ast$, where $K$ is a number field. Let $y^2=X^3+B$ be the Weierstrass equation for an elliptic curve $E_B$ over $K$. Note that the $j$-invariant of $E$ is zero. When is $E_B$ ...
3
votes
1answer
58 views

How can function fields have different degrees over the projective line

I'm confused. Let $X$ be a curve over a field $k$. Let $K= K(X)$ be its function field. Then, $K(X)$ is a field. Each non-constant morphism $f:X\to \mathbf{P}^1_k$ gives a field extension ...
2
votes
1answer
99 views

writing down the minimal discriminant of an elliptic curve

Let $j$ be an integer. Does there exist an elliptic curve $E_j$ over $\mathbf{Q}$ with $j$-invariant equal to $j$ whose minimal discriminant we can write down in a practical way? For example, can ...
5
votes
1answer
167 views

Conditions for a curve to be defined over a subfield

I have just finished reading Hartshorne, Chapter 1, Section 6 and have some questions about curves defined over a subfield of an algebraically closed field. For simplicity, let $k$ be a perfect field, ...
3
votes
3answers
152 views

How do I write down a curve with exactly one rational point

Let $g\geq 1$. I would like to write down (for all $g$) a smooth projective geometrically connected curve $X$ over $\mathbf{Q}$ of genus $g$ with precisely one rational point. Is this possible? For ...
4
votes
2answers
113 views

Genus of curves embedded into some projective space

The Plucker formula allows one to calculate the genus of a curve embedded into $\mathbf{P}^2$. Does there exist a "higher-dimensional" analogue of the Plucker formula? More precisely, let ...
2
votes
2answers
122 views

Rational points on singular curves and their normalization

Let $X$ be a curve over a field $k$. Assume that $X$ is geometrically connected, geometrically reduced and stable. Let $Y\to X$ be the normalization. Is $Y(k) = X(k)$?
2
votes
2answers
86 views

genus of normalization of stable curve

Let $X$ be a stable curve of genus $g$ over the field $k$, i.e., a $k$-rational point of the Deligne-Mumford stack $M_g$. What is the genus of the normalization of $X$? Does it depend on the number ...
0
votes
2answers
125 views

Why are these curves not defined over a smaller field

Let $K$ be a number field and let $\pi$ be an element in $K$. Assume that $\pi$ is not contained in a subfield of $K$. Consider the curve $y^2 = x^{2g+1}+\pi$. This defines (after homogenization and ...
3
votes
1answer
69 views

When is this quotient by an action on the product of a variety with itself non-singular

Let $X$ be a smooth projective geometrically connected variety over a field $k$. Let the cyclic group $G=\{e,a\}$ with two elements act on $X \times X$ via $a\cdot (x_1,x_2) = (x_2,x_1)$. When is ...
0
votes
1answer
93 views

Smallest genus example of a non planar curve

A curve is a smooth projective connected curve over an algebraically closed field. Every curve of genus 2 is planar. Also, every curve of genus 3 is planar. But what about curves of genus 4? What ...
5
votes
1answer
158 views

A question about modular curves and base change

Let $X$ be a smooth projective geometrically connected curve over a number field $K$. Suppose that the curve $X\times_{K,\sigma} \mathbf{C}$ is a modular curve for some $\sigma:K\to \mathbf{C}$. Can ...
7
votes
0answers
160 views

Do Neron models of hyperbolic curves exist

Let $X$ be a smooth projective geometrically connected curve over a number field $K$. Assume that $g\geq 2$. Does there exist a Neron model $\mathcal X$ for $X$ over $O_K$? By a Neron model, I mean ...
3
votes
1answer
113 views

Very special rational points on curves over number fields

For some reason, I'm convinced the answer to the following question should be (obviously) negative, but I can't come up with a good reason. Does there exist a number field $K$, a smooth projective ...
4
votes
1answer
134 views

Does every curve over a number field have infinitely many rational functions of fixed degree

Let $X$ be a curve over a number field $K$ of genus $g\geq 2$. Does there exist an integer $d$ such that $X$ has infinitely many rational functions (i.e., finite morphisms $f:X\to \mathbf{P}^1_K$) of ...
3
votes
1answer
64 views

The universal cover of the multiplicative group over the field of algebraic numbers

Let $X=\mathbf{A}^1_{\overline{\mathbf{Q}}}-\{0\} = \mathbf{G}_{m,\overline{\mathbf{Q}}}$ be the multiplicative over the field of algebraic numbers. Each finite etale cover $Y\to X$ (with $Y$ ...
0
votes
1answer
47 views

Defining invariants of varieties over fields

Let $f$ be a real-valued function on the set of curves over $\overline{\mathbf{Q}}$. Assume that isomorphism curves give rise to the same value for $f$. Let $K$ be a number field and let $X$ be a ...
2
votes
1answer
59 views

Twists of rational points

Let $X$ be a "nice" algebraic curve over some field $K$, say characteristic zero. The twists of $X$, i.e., the curves $Y$ over $K$ such that $X_{\overline K} \cong Y_{\overline K}$, are in bijection ...
1
vote
1answer
116 views

Is there a fundamental domain for $\Gamma(2)$ contained in the following strip

Let $\Gamma(2)$ be the subgroup of $\mathrm{SL}_2(\mathbf{Z})$ satisfying the usual congruence conditions. It acts on the complex upper half-plane. Does it have a fundamental domain contained in the ...
1
vote
1answer
74 views

Can a non-proper variety contain a proper curve

Let $f:X\to S$ be a finite type, separated but non-proper morphism of schemes. Can there be a projective curve $g:C\to S$ and a closed immersion $C\to X$ over $S$? Just to be clear: A projective ...
6
votes
1answer
157 views

Is the Fermat scheme $x^p+y^p=z^p$ always normal

Let $K$ be a number field with ring of integers $O_K$. Is the closed subscheme $X$ of $\mathbf{P}^2_{O_K}$ given by the homogeneous equation $x^p+y^p=z^p$ normal? I know that this is true if ...
3
votes
0answers
42 views

What applications does the theory of fibered surfaces have

Let $C$ be a smooth projective connected curve over $\mathbf{C}$. Let $X$ be a curve over the function field of $C$. Arakelov and Parshin proved the Mordell conjecture by considering a model for $X$ ...
2
votes
0answers
62 views

Is the degree of a Galois morphism bounded by $84(g-1)$

Let $X\to Y$ be a finite morphism which is Galois in the category of smooth projective connected curves over $\mathbf{C}$. Assume $g=g(X) \geq 2$. Is the degree of $X\to Y$ bounded by $84(g-1)$? I ...
0
votes
1answer
99 views

Does the absolute Galois group act on the moduli space of curves

Do elements of the absolute Galois group $G=\mathrm{Gal}(\overline{\mathbf{Q}}/\mathbf{Q})$ of $\mathbf{Q}$ induce automorphisms of $\mathbf{C}$ if we extend the morphisms trivially to the rest of ...
2
votes
1answer
71 views

For curves, is being defined over a number field invariant under birational equivalence

Suppose that a (connected) Riemann surface $X$ is birational to a Riemann surface $Y$ which can be defined (algebraically) over the field of algebraic numbers. Does this imply that $X$ itself can be ...
3
votes
2answers
117 views

Does there exist a finite morphism of algebraic curves such that…

Let $K\subset L$ be a finite field extension. Let $X$ and $Y$ be (smooth projective geometrically connected) curves over $L$. Let $f:X\to Y$ be a finite morphism of curves over $L$. Assume that ...
11
votes
3answers
341 views

Is a cover Galois if and only if it is geometrically Galois

Let $K$ be a number field and let $\pi:X\to \mathbf{P}^1_K$ be a finite morphism, where $X$ is a smooth projective geometrically connected curve. Is $\pi$ a Galois cover if and only if the base ...
0
votes
0answers
95 views

What is the Hurwitz number of an elliptic curve

One can associate a Hurwitz number to any rational function $f:X\to \mathbf{P}^1$ on a compact connected Riemann surface $X$ which ramifies over precisely FOUR points. Suppose that $X$ is an elliptic ...
4
votes
1answer
166 views

The normalization of the peculiar curve $x^p + y^p - (x+y)^p = 0$

Fix a prime number $p$. Consider the affine curve $C$ in $\mathbf{A}^2$ over a number field $K$ given by the equation $x^p+y^p - (x+y)^p =0$. Its Jacobi matrix is $(px^{p-1} -p(x+y)^{p-1} \ py^{p-1} ...
2
votes
0answers
130 views

Minimal resolution of singularities of Fermat curve

Fix a prime number $p$. Let $F$ be the geometrically connected Fermat curve of exponent $p$ over a number field $K$, i.e., $F$ is given by the equation $x^p+y^p = z^p$. Consider the same equation ...
4
votes
1answer
116 views

Twists of curves over number fields

Let $X$ be a curve over $\overline{\mathbf{Q}}$. I can prove that $X$ can be defined over some number field. (Take two equations defining $X$ in $\mathbf{P}^3$ and consider the number field ...
4
votes
2answers
127 views

isomorphisms of algebraic closures

let $K$ be an algebraically closed field. Consider the algebraic closure $\overline{K(X)}$ of $K(X)$, with $X$ trascendent over $K$. Are there cases in which $\overline{K(X)}\cong K$? where $\cong$ is ...