k is an algebraically closed field, X is a smooth, connected, projective curve over k. f: X-->P^1 is a finite morphism. Let t be a parameter of P^1, suppose f is etale outside t=0 and t=\infty, and tamely ramified over these two points. Prove that f is a cyclic cover, i.e., K(X)=k(t)[h]/(h^n-ut), u is a unit in field k.



tamely branched cover over P^1
Here's an alternative way to think about it:


You can easily deduce from Riemann-Hurwitz that the genus of X is 0, i.e. it is just the projective line. Look at the affine patch: t is not infinity. Above t=infinity there's only one point. So take that point out, and call the parameter of the resulting affine line h. Then we have the inclusion of k[t] in k[h]. So t=g(h) where g is a polynomial. Since over t=0 there is one point with ramification n, g has multiplicity n: g=u(h-c)n. So after change of variables g=u\*hn, as required.


