If is nonzero numerically with and for ample , then implies , with equality only when is proportional to . To see this, use the Hodge index theorem for algebraic surfaces to split off the positive direction and diagonalize the remaining negative definite form. Orthogonality to a nonzero isotropic vector then leaves a negative semidefinite form whose radical is precisely that vector's span.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2018 iii Paper 139 2 vi b Solution Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-05
The strict statement as printed needs the qualification if . Part (a) already shows in the present situation, and the next part proves ; an unconditional would contradict that conclusion.
To prove the needed conditional statement, suppose . A fixed part has . Indeed, a different has smaller multiplicity along some component of ; otherwise would be a nonzero effective linearly trivial divisor. Adding a member of the movable part avoiding that component contradicts fixedness.
The Hodge index theorem for algebraic surfaces, together with and , gives . If equality held, Riemann–Roch theorem for algebraic surfaces would give , and Serre duality would give . Hence , a contradiction. ThereforeThis is the fixed-part elimination on a K3 surface argument.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2018 iii Paper 139 2 v Solution Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-05
Choose an ample divisor . The Hodge index theorem for algebraic surfaces implies : if it were zero, would force the numerical class of to be zero. Consequently cannot be effective, because every nonzero effective divisor has positive intersection with , while .
The Riemann–Roch theorem for algebraic surfaces and the preceding computation give . By Serre duality, . Thus