The \(K\)-theory of versal flags and cohomological invariants of degree 3 (Q1677382)

Let \(G\) be a split semisimple linear algebraic group over a field \(F\). Let \(U'\) be the versal \(G\)-torsor in the sense of \textit{S. Garibaldi} et al. [Cohomological invariants in Galois cohomology. Providence, RI: American Mathematical Society (AMS) (2003; Zbl 1159.12311)]. The versal flag is \(X:=U'/B\) where \(B\) is a Borel subgroup of \(G\). The authors compute the Grothendieck ring \(K_0(X)\) when \(G=G^{sc}/\mu_2\), where \(G^{sc}\) is simply connected of Dynkin type A or C. This involves solving a system of linear equations over a Laurent polynomial ring \(R[x_1^{\pm 1},\dots,x_n^{\pm1}]\), where \(R\) equals \(\mathbb Z\) or \({\mathbb Z}/m{\mathbb Z}\), \(m\geq2\). They show the system has `flatness' properties that make it amenable to solving. Next they compute various groups of cohomological invariants of degree 3 when \(G\) is of the form \((H_1\times H_2)/\mu_k\) where \(H_1\), \(H_2\) are simply connected and have the same Dynkin type.