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Algebraic Degree Periodicity in Recurrence Sequences

Number Theory 2020-10-01 v1

Abstract

The degree sequence of the algebraic numbers in an algebraic linear recurrence sequence is shown to be virtually periodic. This is proved using the Skolem-Mahler-Lech theorem. It has applications to the degree sequence and the minimal polynomial sequence for exponential sums over finite fields. The degree periodicity also holds for some more complicated non-linear recurrence sequences. We give one example from the iterations of a polynomial map. This depending on the dynamic Mordell-Lang conjecture which has been proved in some cases.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2009.14382,
  title  = {Algebraic Degree Periodicity in Recurrence Sequences},
  author = {Daqing Wan and Hang Yin},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2009.14382},
  year   = {2020}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-23T18:53:51.184Z