The minimal genus problem in rational surfaces \(CP^2 \sharp n\overline{CP^2}\) (Q867779)

Let \(H, E_1, \dots, E_n\) be the natural generators of the group \(H_2(\mathbb CP^2\#n\overline{\mathbb CP^2})\). Given a class \(u=aH-b_1E_1- \cdots b_nE_n\in H_2(\mathbb CP^2\#n\overline{\mathbb CP^2})\) with \(u\cdot u >0\), the authors compute the minimal genus of an imbedded surface representing \(u\), in terms of \(a, b_1, \dots, b_n\).