Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2023 / iii / Paper 113 / 1 / c / Solution

For a point $p\in {\mathbb{A}}_k^1$, let $a$ be the image of $t$ in its residue field $\kappa (p)$. The scheme-theoretic fiber isIf $p\ne (t)$, then $a\ne 0$. The quadratic polynomial $xy-a{z}^2$ is irreducible. Indeed, after setting $z=0$, any hypothetical linear factors must restrict, up to nonzero scalars, to $x$ and $y$; comparing the $xz$ and $yz$ coefficients then forces both $z$ coefficients to vanish, contradicting the nonzero $z^2$ coefficient. Hence its homogeneous coordinate ring is an integral domain, so $Y_p$ is an integral scheme.

At the origin $p=(t)$, the fiber is $V_{+}(xy)$, the union of the two distinct projective lines $x=0$ and $y=0$, and is therefore not irreducible. It is nevertheless a reduced scheme because the ideal $(xy)=(x)\cap (y)$ equals its radical. Every other fiber is integral and hence reduced. Thus the fiber is integral exactly away from the origin, and it is reduced at every point of ${\mathbb{A}}_k^1$.