On the minimal set for counterexamples to the local-global principle (Q404192): Difference between revisions

Following previous papers, the authors consider possible counterexamples to the validity of the following local-global principle for the divisibility by \(p^n\) of rational points of elliptic curves \(\mathcal E\) defined over a number field \(k\): every \(P \in {\mathcal E}(k)\) which is divisible by \(p^n\) in \({\mathcal E}(k_v)\) for all but finitely many places \(v\) of \(k\) is also divisible by \(p^n\) in \({\mathcal E}(k)\). The minimal set for counterexamples to the local-global divisibility principle for elliptic curves over \(k\) is denoted by \(S_k\) and is defined as follows. A prime \(p\) belongs to \(S_k\) if and only if there exists an elliptic curve \(E\) defined over \(k\) and a positive integer \(n\) (both depending on \(p\)) such that the local-global principle for divisibility by \(p^n\) fails for \(E\) over \(k\). Among other results, the same authors [Bull. Lond. Math. Soc. 44, No. 4, 789--802 (2012; Zbl 1254.11056)] had previously refined a result by the reviewer and \textit{U. Zannier} [C. R., Math., Acad. Sci. Paris 338, No. 1, 47--50 (2004; Zbl 1035.14007)] by showing that \(S_{\mathbb Q}\subseteq \{2,3,5,7\}\). In the present paper, they are able to improve further on their result, by showing that \(S_{\mathbb Q}\subseteq \{2,3\}\). Since it is known that \(2\in S_{\mathbb Q}\) by the result of Zanier and the reviewer [loc. cit.], this leaves the question open only for the prime \(p=3\). The result is a corollary of the following theorem. Let \(p\) be a prime number, and let \({\mathcal E}\) be an elliptic curve defined over a number field \(k\) that does not contain the field \({\mathbb Q}(\zeta_p + \bar\zeta_p)\). Assume further that \({\mathcal E}\) has a \(k\)-rational torsion point of exact order \(p\) and that at least one of the following conditions holds: (1) \(k({\mathcal E}[p]) = k(\zeta_p)\); (2) There does not exist any cyclic \(k\)-isogeny of degree \(p^3\) between two elliptic curves defined over \(k\) that are \(k\)-isogenous to \({\mathcal E}.\) Then the local-global principle for divisibility by \(p^n\) holds for \({\mathcal E}\) over \(k\) and for all positive integers \(n\).