Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2024 iii Paper 146 1 a Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
Let be the standard complex structure on , let be the standard symplectic form, and let be the Euclidean inner product. They satisfyThe two-out-of-three property for unitary structures says that a real linear map preserving any two of these structures preserves the third. In terms of the corresponding matrix groups,
For example, if preserves and , thenso preserves . If it preserves and , the second displayed identity shows that it preserves . Finally, is uniquely determined by , so preservation of and implies . The common intersection is therefore the unitary group.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2024 iii Paper 146 1 d Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
Any symplectic form on orients its tangent bundle. Choose a compatible complex structure and inner product; this reduces the structure group to . Since every line in an oriented symplectic plane is Lagrangian,is an oriented circle bundle.
If a transition function of rotates vectors through an angle , its action on unoriented lines rotates the coordinate through . The Euler class of the Lagrangian-line bundle of an oriented plane bundle therefore givesBy the Poincaré-Hopf theorem,for the chosen orientation, up to changing both signs. Hence the Euler number of is , which is nonzero. A smoothly trivial oriented circle bundle has zero Euler class, so cannot be smoothly trivial for any choice of symplectic form.
On let be the standard complex structure, let be the standard symplectic form, and let be the Euclidean inner product. A linear map preserving any two of , , and preserves the third. Equivalently,