Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2002/ib/paper-4/13g/d/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2002 ib Paper 4 13G d Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-14
Write the nonconstant bijective map as with coprime polynomials and set . For a finite value , its finite preimages solve . Except for a possible leading-coefficient cancellation value, this polynomial has degree .
Multiple roots can occur only at zeros of , since at a root by coprimality. This derivative numerator is a nonzero polynomial for a nonconstant rational map. There are therefore only finitely many finite critical values to exclude. Choose outside them and outside the leading cancellation value. The fundamental theorem of algebra then gives exactly distinct finite preimages. Bijectivity forces .
Hencewhich is a Möbius transformation. Conversely, the inverse is , interpreted at its pole and at infinity, proving bijectivity on the Riemann sphere. The argument also establishes the generic-preimage interpretation of the degree of a rational map of the Riemann sphere.
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