Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2022 iii Paper 102 2 a Solution 2026-09-28
A finite root system in a real Euclidean vector space is a finite spanning set such that, for every , the root reflectionpreserves , and the Cartan integer is an integer for all . It is reduced when the only scalar multiples of in are and . Its Weyl group is the subgroup of the orthogonal group generated by the reflections . A base of a root system is a basis of such that every root is an integer combination of elements of whose nonzero coefficients all have the same sign.
The coroot of isLet be the Weyl chamber determined by :The roots and are positive scalar multiples, so their reflecting hyperplanes and their positive half-spaces are identical. The same chamber therefore defines positivity in the coroot system . Its walls correspond exactly to the rays for . Hence its simple roots arewhich is therefore a base of .