Non-vanishing sections of algebraic vector bundles (Q1902103)

Let \(A\) be a commutative noetherian ring of dimension \(n\), and let \(P\) be a projective \(A\)-module of rank \(n\). This paper studies the following question: Which hypotheses ensure that \(P\) has a unimodular element? -- The author proves some theorems which partially answer the above question. A sample is given by the following result: Theorem. Assume that \(A\) is an affine algebra over a field \(F\), that \(\dim A\) is at least three, and that the determinant of \(P\) is trivial. Suppose there exists a surjection \(P \to J\), for a maximal ideal \(J\) corresponding to an \(F\)-rational point of \(\text{Spec} A\). Then \(P\) has a unimodular element.