Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2026/ii/paper-2/25f/solution

For , is the common kernel of ; is the transcendence degree of its function field, and is smooth when . A nonzero maximal Jacobian minor defines a nonempty open smooth locus (generic rank gives nonemptiness).
A line corresponds to . Lines through satisfy , a projective line. For a smooth curve , the dual morphism is .
For , eliminating from gives
The dual sextic is singular: its nine cusps are the tangent lines at the nine flexes of the cubic. Thus points of mapping to singularities are precisely inflection points, where the tangent has higher contact.

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