English

A single source theorem for primitive points on curves

Number Theory 2025-01-29 v1

Abstract

Let CC be a curve defined over a number field KK and write gg for the genus of CC and JJ for the Jacobian of CC. Let n2n \ge 2. We say that an algebraic point PC(K)P \in C(\overline{K}) has degree nn if the extension K(P)/KK(P)/K has degree nn. By the Galois group of PP we mean the Galois group of the Galois closure of K(P)/KK(P)/K which we identify as a transitive subgroup of SnS_n. We say that PP is primitive if its Galois group is primitive as a subgroup of SnS_n. We prove the following 'single source' theorem for primitive points. Suppose g>(n1)2g>(n-1)^2 if n3n \ge 3 and g3g \ge 3 if n=2n=2. Suppose that either JJ is simple, or that J(K)J(K) is finite. Suppose CC has infinitely many primitive degree nn points. Then there is a degree nn morphism φ:CP1\varphi : C \rightarrow \mathbb{P}^1 such that all but finitely many primitive degree nn points correspond to fibres φ1(α)\varphi^{-1}(\alpha) with αP1(K)\alpha \in \mathbb{P}^1(K). We prove moreover, under the same hypotheses, that if CC has infinitely many degree nn points with Galois group SnS_n or AnA_n, then CC has only finitely many degree nn points of any other primitive Galois group. The proof makes essential use of recent results of Burness and Guralnick on fixed point ratios of faithful, primitive group actions.

Cite

@article{arxiv.2401.03091,
  title  = {A single source theorem for primitive points on curves},
  author = {Maleeha Khawaja and Samir Siksek},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2401.03091},
  year   = {2025}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-28T14:09:57.050Z