Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2013/ia/paper-3/6d/a/i/solution

For in the special linear group over a finite field, define the Möbius transformation when the denominator is nonzero, and set when it is zero. At the extra point, for , and for . Determinant one prevents simultaneous zero numerator and denominator.
The orbit-stabiliser theorem states , and for a finite group . The matrix sends infinity to any chosen , so the orbit of infinity is the whole projective line, of size . Its stabilizer subgroup is
which has elements. Consequently
The SL2 action on a finite projective line need not be faithful: scalar matrices can fix every projective point. Faithfulness is not needed for this orbit calculation.

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