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Modularity of a curve

Find a qualifying form whose coefficients match the curve’s arithmetic data.

Start with a concrete example

Two people describe the same object in different ways. One records 2, −1, 4; the other records 2, −1, 4. Select a position to compare the records.

Illustrative records — not actual form data22-1-144

Position 1: both records contain 2. A few matches are not the full theorem.

How this example differs from the definition

This invented three-number record illustrates comparison only. Modularity needs an actual qualifying form and the full required correspondence, not agreement at three sample positions.

A small check: try the idea

Compare the numbers in the question with the diagram you are moving. You can try again.

In our toy records, does agreement at three positions prove the full modularity theorem?

Read the answer and reasoning

No; the actual object and full required correspondence still matter. Select each record position. These invented data illustrate comparison, not the existence of a qualifying form or the full theorem.

Build the idea in three steps

  1. The curve yields arithmetic numbers at suitable primes. A form yields coefficients at those same primes.
  2. Modularity asks for a qualifying normalized form whose coefficients exactly match the curve’s numbers where the definition requires it.
  3. The level also has to exist and be positive. Finding this partner is a theorem, not a consequence of drawing two matching instruments.

A small example

The duet is the exact equality qCoeff f p = apOfModel W p at the specified good primes.

Lean definition · original excerpt

FLT · aa2d8b3 · Def_FLTPrelim_Modularity.lean

def IsModularModelOfLevel (W : WeierstrassCurve ℤ) (N : ℕ) : Prop :=  ∃ f : CuspForm (CongruenceSubgroup.Gamma0 N) 2, f.IsNormalizedEigenform ∧    ∀ p : ℕ, p.Prime → W.IsGoodPrimeFor p → ¬ p ∣ N →      ModularFormClass.qCoeff f p = (W.apOfModel p : ℂ) def IsModularModel (W : WeierstrassCurve ℤ) : Prop :=  ∃ N : ℕ, 0 < N ∧ W.IsModularModelOfLevel N def IsModular (E : WeierstrassCurve ℚ) : Prop :=  ∃ W : WeierstrassCurve ℤ, W.IsIntegralModelOf E ∧ W.IsModularModel

How to read this Lean

∃ f supplies a form; ∧ bundles its conditions; ∀ p specifies the primes; the final = is the matching condition. The next definition supplies a positive level N.

Where this idea is used

8. The secret duet9. Two doors to the concert10. A three-note audition11. Borrow a better passport12. The workshops agree13. Pip’s impossible quilt14. The shrinking reservation
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Modularity of a curve

One thing at a time

Read the three explanation steps first. The Lean source is there for a closer look afterwards; you do not have to read it first.

In simpler words

Find a qualifying form whose coefficients match the curve’s arithmetic data.

Earlier ideas are listed under “Start with these ideas” on this page.

A small clue

The duet is the exact equality qCoeff f p = apOfModel W p at the specified good primes.

Close this panel to return to the exact place you were reading. These are prepared hints for this page.

Start with the first small story →