B4.9

Algebraic Curves
Part II, 2003

Let XX be a smooth curve of genus 0 over an algebraically closed field kk. Show that k(X)=k(P1).k(X)=k\left(\mathbb{P}^{1}\right) .

Now let CC be a plane projective curve defined by an irreducible homogeneous cubic polynomial.

(a) Show that if CC is smooth then CC is not isomorphic to P1\mathbb{P}^{1}. Standard results on the canonical class may be assumed without proof, provided these are clearly stated.

(b) Show that if CC has a singularity then there exists a non-constant morphism from P1\mathbb{P}^{1} to CC.