B4.9

Algebraic Curves | Part II, 2004

Let F(X,Y,Z)F(X, Y, Z) be an irreducible homogeneous polynomial of degree nn, and write C={pP2F(p)=0}C=\left\{p \in \mathbb{P}^{2} \mid F(p)=0\right\} for the curve it defines in P2\mathbb{P}^{2}. Suppose CC is smooth. Show that the degree of its canonical class is n(n3)n(n-3).

Hence, or otherwise, show that a smooth curve of genus 2 does not embed in P2\mathbb{P}^{2}.

Typos? Please submit corrections to this page on GitHub.