A linear algebra proof of Clifford's theorem (Q762566)

In this paper the author gives an interesting, elementary proof of Clifford's theorem which describes the relationship between dim \(| D|\) and deg D for special divisors D on a nonsingular projective algebraic curve over an algebraically closed field. The proof is obtained by combining the Riemann-Roch formula with the following result, for which the author gives an elementary proof, and which he calls Clifford's lemma: Let A,B,C be vector spaces over an algebraically closed field and let \(\phi: A\times B\to C\) be a bilinear map. Assume that \(\phi (a,b)=0\) implies a or b is zero. Then \(\dim C\geq \dim A+\dim B-1.\)