When is the Clifford algebra of a binary cubic form split? (Q1184197): Difference between revisions

Let \(F\) be a field of characteristic not \(2\) or \(3\) and let \(f\) be a nondegenerate cubic binary form over \(F\). The author showed in a previous paper [Am. J. Math. 106, 1269-1280 (1984; Zbl 0585.13001)]\ that the Clifford algebra \(C_ f\) of \(f\) is an Azumaya algebra of rank \(9\) over its center and that the center is the affine ring of a certain elliptic curve. The main result of this nice paper is that \(C_ f\) is split if and only if the ternary form \(w^ 3-f(u,v)\) has a nontrivial rational point over \(F\). As application the author gives examples of Clifford algebras \(C_ f\) which are not split, but such that any simple homomorphic image is split. The first example is over the field \(\mathbb{C}(x)\) and the second is over \(\mathbb{Q}\).