Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2013 ia Paper 3 6D a i Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-07
For in the special linear group over a finite field, define the Möbius transformation when the denominator is nonzero, and set when it is zero. At the extra point, for , and for . Determinant one prevents simultaneous zero numerator and denominator.
The orbit-stabiliser theorem states , and for a finite group . The matrix sends infinity to any chosen , so the orbit of infinity is the whole projective line, of size . Its stabilizer subgroup iswhich has elements. ConsequentlyThe SL2 action on a finite projective line need not be faithful: scalar matrices can fix every projective point. Faithfulness is not needed for this orbit calculation.