# Algebraic variety

One of the principal objects of study in algebraic geometry. The modern definition of an algebraic variety as a reduced scheme of finite type over a field $k$ is the result of a long evolution. The classical definition of an algebraic variety was limited to affine and projective algebraic sets over the fields of real or complex numbers (cf. Affine algebraic set; Projective algebraic set). As a result of the studies initiated in the late 1920s by B.L. van der Waerden, E. Noether and others, the concept of an algebraic variety was subjected to significant algebraization, which made it possible to consider algebraic varieties over arbitrary fields. A. Weil [6] applied the idea of the construction of differentiable manifolds by glueing to algebraic varieties. An abstract algebraic variety is obtained in this way and is defined as a system $(V_\alpha)$ of affine algebraic sets over a field $k$, in each one of which open subsets $W_{\alpha\beta}\subset V_\alpha$, corresponding to the isomorphic open subsets $W_{\alpha\beta}\subset V_\beta$, are chosen. All basic concepts of classical algebraic geometry could be transferred to such varieties. Examples of abstract algebraic varieties, non-isomorphic to algebraic subsets of a projective space, were subsequently constructed by M. Nagata and H. Hironaka [2], [3]. They used complete algebraic varieties (cf. Complete algebraic variety) as the analogues of projective algebraic sets.

J.-P. Serre [5] has noted that the unified definition of differentiable manifolds and analytic spaces as ringed topological spaces has its analogue in algebraic geometry as well. Accordingly, algebraic varieties were defined as ringed spaces (cf. Ringed space), locally isomorphic to an affine algebraic set over a field $k$ with the Zariski topology and with a sheaf of germs of regular functions on it. The supplementary structure of a ringed space on an algebraic variety makes it possible to simplify various constructions with abstract algebraic varieties, and study them using methods of homological algebra which involve sheaf theory.

At the International Mathematical Congress in Edinburgh in 1958, A. Grothendieck outlined the possibilities of a further generalization of the concept of an algebraic variety by relating it to the theory of schemes. After the foundations of this theory had been established [4] a new meaning was imparted to algebraic varieties — viz. that of reduced schemes of finite type over a field $k$, such affine (or projective) schemes became known as affine (or projective) varieties (cf. Scheme; Reduced scheme). The inclusion of algebraic varieties in the broader framework of schemes also proved useful in a number of problems in algebraic geometry ([[Resolution of singularities|resolution of singularities]]; the moduli problem, etc.).

Another generalization of the concept of an algebraic variety is related to the concept of an algebraic space.

Any algebraic variety over the field of complex numbers has the structure of a complex analytic space, which makes it possible to use topological and transcendental methods in its study (cf. Kähler manifold).

Many problems in number theory (the theory of congruences, Diophantine equations, modular forms, etc.) involve the study of algebraic varieties over finite fields and over algebraic number fields (cf. Algebraic varieties, arithmetic of; Diophantine geometry; Zeta-function in algebraic geometry).

#### References

 [1] M. Baldassarri, "Algebraic varieties" , Springer (1956) MR0082172 Zbl 0995.14003 Zbl 0075.15902 [2] I.R. Shafarevich, "Basic algebraic geometry" , Springer (1977) (Translated from Russian) MR0447223 Zbl 0362.14001 [3] I.V. Dolgachev, "Abstract algebraic geometry" J. Soviet Math. , 2 : 3 (1974) pp. 264–303 Itogi Nauk. i Tekhn. Algebra Topol. Geom. , 10 (1972) pp. 47–112 Zbl 1068.14059 [4] A. Grothendieck, J. Dieudonné, "Eléments de géometrie algébrique" Publ. Math. IHES , 4 (1960) MR0217083 MR0163908 Zbl 0118.36206 [5] J.-P. Serre, "Faiseaux algébriques cohérentes" Ann. of Math. (2) , 61 : 2 (1955) pp. 197–278 [6] A. Weil, "Foundations of algebraic geometry" , Amer. Math. Soc. (1946) MR0023093 Zbl 0063.08198
How to Cite This Entry:
Algebraic variety. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Algebraic_variety&oldid=34080
This article was adapted from an original article by I.V. Dolgachev (originator), which appeared in Encyclopedia of Mathematics - ISBN 1402006098. See original article