Riemann-Hurwitz formula: Difference between revisions

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In [[algebraic geometry]] The Riemann-Hurwitz formula states that if C,D are smooth [[algebraic curves]], and <math>f:C\to D</math> is a [[finite map]] of [[degree]] <math>d</math> then the number of [[branch points]] of <math>f</math>, denoted by <math>B</math>, is given by
In [[algebraic geometry]] The Riemann-Hurwitz formula states that if C,D are smooth [[algebraic curves]], and <math>f:C\to D</math> is a [[finite map]] of [[degree]] <math>d</math> then the number of [[branch points]] of <math>f</math>, denoted by <math>B</math>, is given by


<math>2 (\mbox{genus}(C)-1)=2d(genus(D)-1)+B</math>.
<math>2 (\mbox{genus}(C)-1)=2d(\mbox{genus}(D)-1)+B</math>.


Over a [[field]] in general [[characteristic]], this theorem is a consequence of the [[Riemann-Roch theorem]]. Over the [[complex numbers]], the theorem can be proved by choosing a [[triangulation]] of the curve <math>D</math> such that all the branch points of the map are nodes of the triangulation. One then considers the [[pullback]] of the triangulation to the curve <math>C</math> and computes the [[Euler characteristics]] of both curves.
Over a [[field]] in general [[characteristic]], this theorem is a consequence of the [[Riemann-Roch theorem]]. Over the [[complex numbers]], the theorem can be proved by choosing a [[triangulation]] of the curve <math>D</math> such that all the branch points of the map are nodes of the triangulation. One then considers the [[pullback]] of the triangulation to the curve <math>C</math> and computes the [[Euler characteristics]] of both curves.

Revision as of 06:32, 23 February 2007

In algebraic geometry The Riemann-Hurwitz formula states that if C,D are smooth algebraic curves, and is a finite map of degree then the number of branch points of , denoted by , is given by

.

Over a field in general characteristic, this theorem is a consequence of the Riemann-Roch theorem. Over the complex numbers, the theorem can be proved by choosing a triangulation of the curve such that all the branch points of the map are nodes of the triangulation. One then considers the pullback of the triangulation to the curve and computes the Euler characteristics of both curves.