Let \(X\) be an integral scheme of finite type over a field \(k\), having function
field \(K\) We say that a valuation of \(K / k\) (see \(I, \$ 6\) ) has center \(x\)
on \(X\) if its valuation ring \(R\) dominates the local ring \(C_{x . X}\)
(a) If \(X\) is separated over \(k\), then the center of any valuation of \(K / k\)
on \(X\) (if it exists) is unique.
(b) If \(X\) is proper over \(k\), then every valuation of \(K / k\) has a unique
center on \(X\)
\(*(\mathrm{c})\) Prove the converses of \((\mathrm{a})\) and \((\mathrm{b})
.[\text { Hint }: \text { While parts }(\mathrm{a}) \text { and }(\mathrm{b})\)
follow quite easily from (4.3) and \((4.7),\) their converses will require some
comparison of valuations in different fields.
(d) If \(X\) is proper over \(k\), and if \(k\) is algebraically closed, show that
\(\Gamma\left(X, C_{X}\right)=k\) This result generalizes (I, 3.4a). [Hint: Let
\(a \in \Gamma\left(X, \mathscr{C}_{X}\right),\) with \(a \notin k .\) Show that
there is a valuation ring \(R\) of \(K / k\) with \(a^{-1} \in \mathrm{m}_{R} .\)
Then use (b) to get a contradiction.
Note. If \(X\) is a variety over \(k,\) the criterion of (b) is sometimes taken as
the definition of a complete variety.