Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2005/iii/paper-14/1/b/solution

For a divisor on an algebraic curve , define its line bundle associated to a divisor inside the sheaf of rational functions by
Locally choose a rational equation for , as in the construction of the quotient sheaf above. Then
Consequently this is an invertible sheaf. Multiplication gives an isomorphism
as is checked on the displayed local generators. If , multiplication by identifies with . Thus induces a group homomorphism from the divisor class group to the Picard group.
For surjectivity, let be an invertible sheaf. Trivialize its one-dimensional rational fibre over the function field ; equivalently, choose a nonzero rational section and identify with a subsheaf of the rational-function sheaf. A finite trivializing cover gives
On overlaps is a regular unit. The integers therefore agree wherever two descriptions apply and define a finite divisor on an algebraic curve . Its local description gives . A different rational trivialization multiplies all by the same rational function, changing by a principal divisor, so the resulting divisor class is intrinsic.
For injectivity, an isomorphism becomes multiplication by some on the rational fibre. At each closed point its effect on the local free generators gives
Hence . Conversely this equality gives the required isomorphism by multiplication by . We have proved the group isomorphism

New to topics? Read the docs here!