1.II.23F

Riemann Surfaces
Part II, 2007

Define a complex structure on the unit sphere S2R3S^{2} \subset \mathbb{R}^{3} using stereographic projection charts φ,ψ\varphi, \psi. Let UCU \subset \mathbb{C} be an open set. Show that a continuous non-constant map F:US2F: U \rightarrow S^{2} is holomorphic if and only if φF\varphi \circ F is a meromorphic function. Deduce that a non-constant rational function determines a holomorphic map S2S2S^{2} \rightarrow S^{2}. Define what is meant by a rational function taking the value aC{}a \in \mathbb{C} \cup\{\infty\} with multiplicity mm at infinity.

Define the degree of a rational function. Show that any rational function ff satisfies (degf)1degf2degf(\operatorname{deg} f)-1 \leqslant \operatorname{deg} f^{\prime} \leqslant 2 \operatorname{deg} f and give examples to show that the bounds are attained. Is it true that the product f.gf . g satisfies deg(f.g)=degf+degg\operatorname{deg}(f . g)=\operatorname{deg} f+\operatorname{deg} g, for any non-constant rational functions ff and gg ? Justify your answer.