An algebraic curve is an algebraic variety of dimension one. An affine algebraic curve can be described as the zero-locus of $n-1$ independent polynomials of $n$ variables in affine $n$-space over a field. Examples include conic sections, compact Riemann surfaces and elliptic curves. Singularities ...

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16
votes
4answers
1k views

intuitive explantions for the concepts of divisor and genus

when trying to explain AG-codes to computer scientists, the major points of contention i am faced with are the concepts of divisors, Riemann-Roch space and the genus of a function field. are there any ...
0
votes
0answers
68 views

A problem of irreducibility

Consider the cone in $\mathbb{C}^3$ over the curve $\{y^2-x^2-x^3=0\}\subset\mathbb{C}^2$. Show that $g=zy^2-zx^2-x^3$ with $g = 0$ giving the cone, is irreducible in $\mathcal{O}_{\mathbb{C}^3,~0}$, ...
15
votes
3answers
606 views

What is a local parameter in algebraic geometry?

Shafarevich offers the following theorem-definition: "At any nonsingular point $P$ of an irreducible algebraic curve, there exists a regular function $t$ that vanishes at $P$ and such that every ...
9
votes
2answers
220 views

Can there be a point on a Riemann surface such that every rational function is ramified at this point?

Let $X$ be a compact connected Riemann surface, and let $S\subset X$ be a finite subset. Does there exist a morphism $f:X\to \mathbf{P}^1(\mathbf{C})$ which is unramified at the points of $S$? I'm ...
6
votes
5answers
222 views
5
votes
1answer
236 views

Computing the monodromy for a cover of the Riemann sphere (and Puiseux expansions)

Given an irreducible polynomial $P(X,Y) \in \mathbb{C}[X,Y]$, one obtains by analytic continuation a Riemann surface $M$ with a branched covering $f \colon M \to \mathbb{P}^1_{/\mathbb{C}}$, ...
0
votes
2answers
834 views

equation of a curve given 3 points and additional (constant) requirements

Given 3 pairs of coordinates, $x_1, y_1, x_2, y_2, x_3, y_3$, I need a function $y(x)$ that will return the $y$ coordinate of any $x$ coordinate between $x_1$ and $x_3$ (it can be assumed that $x_1 ...
5
votes
1answer
170 views

Basis for the Riemann-Roch space $L(kP)$ on a curve

Let $C$ be a smooth algebraic plane complex curve of degree $d$ defined as the zero locus of a homogeneous polynomial $F$. Let $P\in C$. For a positive integer $k$ consider the divisor $$D=kP$$ ...
6
votes
2answers
138 views

Irreducible components of the variety $V(X^2+Y^2-1,X^2-Z^2-1)\subset \mathbb{C}^3.$

I want to find the irreducible components of the variety $V(X^2+Y^2-1, \ X^2-Z^2-1)\subset \mathbb{C}^3$ but I am completely stuck on how to do this. I have some useful results that can help me ...
3
votes
1answer
264 views

Set that is not algebraic

I'd like some hints for the problem: Show that the following set is not algebraic: $ \{ (\cos(t),\sin(t),t) \in \mathbb{A}^3 : t \in \mathbb{R} \} $ thanks.
2
votes
1answer
101 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
73 views

Homogenous polynomials

In section 3.1 (3rd paragraph on page 4) in this paper, I cannot understand why $Q$ and $R$ are homogeneous: (Given $A$, $B$ are homogenous. Capital letters denote homogenous polynmials.)
2
votes
1answer
73 views

Is the intersection of the diagonal with a graph always transverse in characteristic zero

Let X be a projective smooth connected curve over $\mathbf{C}$. Let $f:X\to X$ be a non-constant morphism. Is the intersection of the diagonal $\Delta_X$ and the graph $\Gamma_f$ on $X\times X$ ...
1
vote
1answer
53 views

Transforming a Continuous Function

My math is quite limited so please bear with me. I will get to the point: Is there a way to transform a continuous function into a bounded one? In essence I have a normalized Gaussian distribution ...
0
votes
1answer
57 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 ...