Introduction
The zeros of classical orthogonal polynomials are among the most familiar algebraic numbers in study. Orthogonality places them on a real interval and makes them simple. However, their arithmetic is much less known.
An important class of orthogonal polynomials are Jacobi polynomials. More precisely, we use the normalization
P n ( α , β ) ( x ) = 2 − n ∑ j = 0 n ( n + α n − j ) ( n + β j ) ( x − 1 ) j ( x + 1 ) n − j , n ≥ 0 , (1) P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(x)=2^{-n}\sum_{j=0}^{n}\binom{n+\alpha}{n-j}\binom{n+\beta}{j}(x-1)^j(x+1)^{n-j},\qquad n\geq0, \tag*{(1)} P n ( α , β ) ( x ) = 2 − n j = 0 ∑ n ( n − j n + α ) ( j n + β ) ( x − 1 ) j ( x + 1 ) n − j , n ≥ 0 , (1)
where ( z j ) = z ( z − 1 ) ⋯ ( z − j + 1 ) / j ! \binom{z}{j}=z(z-1)\cdots(z-j+1)/j! ( j z ) = z ( z − 1 ) ⋯ ( z − j + 1 ) / j ! and ( z 0 ) = 1 \binom{z}{0}=1 ( 0 z ) = 1 . For α , β > − 1 \alpha,\beta>-1 α , β > − 1 , this is the degree-n n n polynomial with P n ( α , β ) ( 1 ) = ( n + α n ) P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(1)=\binom{n+\alpha}{n} P n ( α , β ) ( 1 ) = ( n n + α ) that is orthogonal to every polynomial of degree less than $n for the weight ( 1 − x ) α ( 1 + x ) β (1-x)^\alpha(1+x)^\beta ( 1 − x ) α ( 1 + x ) β on ( − 1 , 1 ) (-1,1) ( − 1 , 1 ) . The Legendre polynomials are P n = P n ( 0 , 0 ) P_n=P_n^{(0,0)} P n = P n ( 0 , 0 ) , so P n ( 1 ) = 1 P_n(1)=1 P n ( 1 ) = 1 . We also use Jacobi polynomials outside this orthogonal range in the Galois arguments. Standard identities are collected in [26 Chapter IV] and [22 Chapter 18] .
For a nonconstant separable polynomial f ∈ K [ x ] f\in K[x] f ∈ K [ x ] , we write Gal ( f / K ) \operatorname{Gal}(f/K) Gal ( f / K ) for the Galois group of its splitting field, acting on its roots. The polynomial is irreducible precisely when this action is transitive.
The irreducibility problem of Legendre polynomials goes back to Stieltjes in 19th century. In his letter to Hermite of 2 October 1890, he asked whether P 2 m P_{2m} P 2 m and P 2 m + 1 / x P_{2m+1}/x P 2 m + 1 / x are irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q [25 Letter 275] ; see also [7 §1] . The division by x x x removes the zero forced by odd parity. Schur’s work on Hermite and Laguerre polynomials showed how coefficient valuations can determine factorization and Galois groups [24 ] . For Legendre polynomials, Wahab obtained substantial infinite families of irreducible examples by Newton polygons [27 ] . Related questions for Bessel polynomials were settled through the work of Filaseta and Filaseta–Trifonov [13 , 14 ] .
Deng has recently proved Stieltjes’ conjecture in every degree [10 Theorem 1.1] . His argument compares the real size of a factor resultant with the size permitted by its p p p -adic valuations. This comparison is our starting point. We first give it a common Jacobi form, then develop the arithmetic estimates needed for the different parameter families. The Galois arguments use another local input: ramification at suitable primes produces long cycles on the roots. The interaction of these two methods is also what gives the results on higher derivatives and number fields.
Galois groups
The first family in our consideration comes from modular forms. Kaneko and Zagier constructed polynomials over Q \mathbb{Q} Q whose reductions at suitable primes describe the supersingular j j j -invariants of elliptic curves [18 ] . After an affine change of variable and normalization, their Jacobi factors give the four families
P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) , λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)}, \qquad\lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\} P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) , λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 }
[8 Eq. (3)] . Thus their rational factorization describes the algebraic relations among the characteristic-zero lifts of these modular zeros.
Theorem 1.1 (The Mahlburg–Ono conjecture). For every n ≥ 1 n \ge1 n ≥ 1 and λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } \lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\} λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } , P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)} P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q and
Gal ( P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) / Q ) = S n . \operatorname{Gal}(P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)}/\mathbb{Q}) = S_n. Gal ( P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) / Q ) = S n .
Mahlburg and Ono conjectured both assertions in 2004 and proved irreducibility in infinitely many degrees [19 p. 40 and Theorem 1.1] . Cullinan and Hajir proved further infinite families and established the implication from irreducibility to S n S_n S n through modular index ℓ ≤ 10 9 \ell\le10^9 ℓ ≤ 1 0 9 [8 Theorems 1.8–1.9] . Cullinan and Gajek-Leonard studied the associated Newton polygons [6 ] . Theorem 1.1 treats all four families in every positive degree. In § 6.4 we will give the precise normalization and explain the relation with modular differential equations. Appendix A gives stronger local irreducibility statements in prime-power degrees and in degrees 5 ⋅ 3 a 5 \cdot3^a 5 ⋅ 3 a .
For Legendre polynomials, the symmetry of the zeros determines the largest possible group. Write
L 2 m + δ ( x ) = P 2 m + δ ( x ) / x δ , m ≥ 1 , δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } . L_{2m+\delta}(x) = P_{2m+\delta}(x)/x^\delta, \qquad m \ge1,\quad\delta\in\{0,1\}. L 2 m + δ ( x ) = P 2 m + δ ( x ) / x δ , m ≥ 1 , δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } .
The 2 m 2m 2 m roots occur in opposite pairs. Every Galois automorphism preserves these pairs, so the group is contained in
W m = C 2 ≀ S m = F 2 m ⋊ S m . W_m = C_2 \wr S_m = \mathbb{F}_2^m \rtimes S_m. W m = C 2 ≀ S m = F 2 m ⋊ S m .
Here S m S_m S m permutes the pairs and F 2 m \mathbb{F}_2^m F 2 m independently exchanges the two members of each pair. Deng’s theorem gives transitivity of the group action. Our next result determines all these permutations.
Theorem 1.2 (The Legendre Galois groups). For every m ≥ 1 m \ge1 m ≥ 1 and δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } ,
Gal ( P 2 m + δ ( x ) / x δ / Q ) = W m . \operatorname{Gal}(P_{2m+\delta}(x)/x^\delta/\mathbb{Q}) = W_m. Gal ( P 2 m + δ ( x ) / x δ / Q ) = W m .
This proves both parts of [7 Conjecture 1.5] : the induced group on the pairs is S m S_m S m , and the kernel of this action is all of F 2 m \mathbb{F}_2^m F 2 m . Cullinan and Hajir proved the first part, conditional on irreducibility, through reduced degree 10 9 10^9 1 0 9 [7 Theorem 1.9(a)] . Our argument removes that bound and determines the kernel in every degree.
Integral parameters
Now we consider parameters ( α , β ) (\alpha,\beta) ( α , β ) of Jacobi polynomials to be integers.
Theorem 1.3. Fix distinct nonnegative integers a , b a,b a , b . There is an effectively computable integer N ( a , b ) N(a,b) N ( a , b ) such that, for every n ≥ N ( a , b ) n \ge N(a,b) n ≥ N ( a , b ) , P n ( a , b ) P_n^{(a,b)} P n ( a , b ) is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q and has Galois group S n S_n S n .
Moreover, for every fixed number field E E E , splitting field of P n ( a , b ) P_n^{(a,b)} P n ( a , b ) is linearly disjoint from E E E over Q \mathbb{Q} Q for all sufficiently large n n n , effectively in a , b , E a,b,E a , b , E . Consequently the polynomial remains irreducible over E E E with group S n S_n S n .
The restriction to sufficiently large degree is necessary, for example, take P 2 ( 4 , 1 ) ( x ) = 3 x ( 3 x + 2 ) P_2^{(4,1)}(x) = 3x(3x+2) P 2 ( 4 , 1 ) ( x ) = 3 x ( 3 x + 2 ) . Also, one can note that negative integral parameters give endpoint factors. After removing them, the same conclusion holds for each fixed integral pair with unequal absolute values (Corollary 6.1). In our statements the degree varies and the parameters are fixed, while the Jacobi families studied in [9 ] have a different variation: the degree is fixed and a rational parameter varies.
Equal parameters connect the problem to derivatives. Define the Gegenbauer polynomials by
( 1 − 2 x t + t 2 ) − λ = ∑ j ≥ 0 C j λ ( x ) t j . (1-2xt+t^2)^{-\lambda} = \sum_{j \ge0} C_j^\lambda(x)t^j. ( 1 − 2 x t + t 2 ) − λ = j ≥ 0 ∑ C j λ ( x ) t j .
For an integer r ≥ 0 r \ge0 r ≥ 0 , the polynomial C n r + 1 / 2 C_n^{r+1/2} C n r + 1/2 is a nonzero rational multiple of P n ( r , r ) P_n^{(r,r)} P n ( r , r ) [22 (18.7.1)] , and
d r d x r P n + r ( x ) = ( 2 r − 1 ) ! ! C n r + 1 / 2 ( x ) , ( 2 r − 1 ) ! ! = ∏ j = 1 r ( 2 j − 1 ) . (2) \frac{d^r}{dx^r}P_{n+r}(x)=(2r-1)!!\,C_n^{r+1/2}(x),\qquad(2r-1)!!=\prod_{j=1}^{r}(2j-1). \tag*{(2)} d x r d r P n + r ( x ) = ( 2 r − 1 )!! C n r + 1/2 ( x ) , ( 2 r − 1 )!! = j = 1 ∏ r ( 2 j − 1 ) . (2)
The empty product is 1. A single superscript P ℓ ( r ) P_\ell^{(r)} P ℓ ( r ) will denote a derivative; two superscripts denote Jacobi parameters. After removing the zero forced by parity, put
F m , r , δ ( x ) = C 2 m + δ r + 1 / 2 ( x ) x δ , m ≥ 1 , δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } . (3) F_{m,r,\delta}(x)=\frac{C_{2m+\delta}^{r+1/2}(x)}{x^\delta},\qquad m\ge1,\quad\delta\in\{0,1\}. \tag*{(3)} F m , r , δ ( x ) = x δ C 2 m + δ r + 1/2 ( x ) , m ≥ 1 , δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } . (3)
This polynomial has degree 2 m 2m 2 m in x x x . All irreducibility assertions for F m , r , δ F_{m,r,\delta} F m , r , δ refer to that full degree.
Theorem 1.4. For integers r ≥ 0 r \ge0 r ≥ 0 , m ≥ 1 m \ge1 m ≥ 1 , and δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } , the polynomial F m , r , δ F_{m,r,\delta} F m , r , δ is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q whenever
m ≥ max { 100 r , 1000 } . m\ge\max\{100r,1000\}. m ≥ max { 100 r , 1000 } . There is also an effective absolute integer M 0 M_0 M 0 such that the same conclusion holds whenever m ≥ max { 8 r , M 0 } m\ge\max\{8r,M_0\} m ≥ max { 8 r , M 0 } .
The conclusion is uniform in the parameter: the derivative order may grow with m m m . In particular, the second assertion covers every 0 ≤ r ≤ m / 8 0 \le r \le m/8 0 ≤ r ≤ m /8 once m m m exceeds one absolute threshold. For derivative orders r = 0 r=0 r = 0 and r = 1 r=1 r = 1 , the conclusion holds without any restriction on m m m .
Theorem 1.5. For every m ≥ 1 m \ge1 m ≥ 1 , the polynomials
P 2 m ( x ) , P 2 m + 1 ( x ) / x , P 2 m + 1 ′ ( x ) , P 2 m + 2 ′ ( x ) / x P_{2m}(x),\qquad P_{2m+1}(x)/x,\qquad P'_{2m+1}(x),\qquad P'_{2m+2}(x)/x P 2 m ( x ) , P 2 m + 1 ( x ) / x , P 2 m + 1 ′ ( x ) , P 2 m + 2 ′ ( x ) / x are irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q .
The first two assertions are Deng’s theorem [10 ] . The last two say that the nonzero critical points of each Legendre polynomial P ℓ P_\ell P ℓ , ℓ ≥ 3 \ell\ge3 ℓ ≥ 3 , form a single rational Galois orbit. Rolle’s theorem places these critical points between consecutive zeros; the arithmetic assertion makes them conjugate over Q \mathbb{Q} Q . It also gives a common-zero theorem: distinct members of { P ℓ , P ℓ ′ : ℓ ≥ 1 } \{P_\ell,P'_\ell:\ell\ge1\} { P ℓ , P ℓ ′ : ℓ ≥ 1 } have no common nonzero root (Corollary 6.2 ). This extends Deng’s common-zero result for the Legendre polynomials themselves [11 ] .
Rational parameters
We consider parameters ( α , β ) (\alpha,\beta) ( α , β ) to be rational with certain conditions. One can observe that local ramification determines the Galois group on almost all roots even when irreducibility of the whole polynomial is not known. The condition below concerns the reduced denominators of the parameters and their sum. It ensures that the relevant Jacobi coefficients have one long Newton edge at suitably chosen primes.
Theorem 1.6. Fix α = a / u \alpha=a/u α = a / u and β = b / v \beta=b/v β = b / v in lowest terms, with u , v > 0 u,v>0 u , v > 0 , and let D D D be the reduced denominator of α + β \alpha+\beta α + β . Assume
D is even , D ≥ max { u , v } , α , β ∉ { − 1 , − 2 , … } . D\ \text{is even},\qquad D\ge\max\{u,v\},\qquad\alpha,\beta\notin\{-1,-2,\ldots\}. D is even , D ≥ max { u , v } , α , β ∈ / { − 1 , − 2 , … } . For all sufficiently large n n n , f n = P n ( α , β ) f_n=P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)} f n = P n ( α , β ) has a unique monic irreducible factor h n h_n h n of degree M n > n / 2 M_n>n/2 M n > n /2 , with
Gal ( h n / Q ) = S M n , n − M n = O α , β , A ( n ( log n ) A ) for every fixed A > 0. \operatorname{Gal}(h_n/\mathbb{Q})=S_{M_n},\qquad n-M_n=O_{\alpha,\beta,A}\left(\frac{n}{(\log n)^A}\right)\quad\text{for every fixed }A>0. Gal ( h n / Q ) = S M n , n − M n = O α , β , A ( ( log n ) A n ) for every fixed A > 0. Write f n = κ n h n g n f_n=\kappa_nh_ng_n f n = κ n h n g n , with g n g_n g n monic and κ n ∈ Q × \kappa_n\in\mathbb{Q}^{\times} κ n ∈ Q × . The splitting fields of h n h_n h n and g n g_n g n are linearly disjoint over Q \mathbb{Q} Q , and restriction gives
Gal ( f n / Q ) = S M n × Gal ( g n / Q ) . (4) \operatorname{Gal}(f_n/\mathbb{Q})=S_{M_n}\times\operatorname{Gal}(g_n/\mathbb{Q}). \tag*{(4)} Gal ( f n / Q ) = S M n × Gal ( g n / Q ) . (4)
For every fixed c ∈ Q × c \in\mathbb{Q}^{\times} c ∈ Q × and all sufficiently large n n n , h n ( 1 + c x 2 ) h_n(1+cx^2) h n ( 1 + c x 2 ) is irreducible with group W M n W M_n W M n . Its splitting field is linearly disjoint from that of g n ( 1 + c x 2 ) g_n(1+cx^2) g n ( 1 + c x 2 ) , and
Gal ( f n ( 1 + c x 2 ) / Q ) = W M n × Gal ( g n ( 1 + c x 2 ) / Q ) . (5) \operatorname{Gal}(f_n(1+cx^2)/\mathbb{Q}) = W M_n \times\operatorname{Gal}(g_n(1+cx^2)/\mathbb{Q}). \tag*{(5)} Gal ( f n ( 1 + c x 2 ) / Q ) = W M n × Gal ( g n ( 1 + c x 2 ) / Q ) . (5)
The splitting fields of h n h_n h n and h n ( 1 + c x 2 ) h_n(1+cx^2) h n ( 1 + c x 2 ) are also each linearly disjoint from every fixed number field once n n n is sufficiently large.
The threshold may depend on the fixed parameters, on c c c , and on the number field; in the degree estimate it may also depend on A A A . A constant polynomial has splitting field Q \mathbb{Q} Q and trivial Galois group. The theorem separates a large symmetric part from a small complementary part and proves that their splitting fields have no common extension of Q \mathbb{Q} Q .
No orthogonality hypothesis is needed here. Some restriction on the parameters is necessary: the specialization α = β = − 1 / 2 \alpha=\beta=-1/2 α = β = − 1/2 gives Chebyshev polynomials [22 (18.7.3)] , whose zeros lie in cyclotomic fields and whose Galois groups are abelian. The small complementary factor g n g_n g n in the theorem is not known to be constant so eventual irreducibility under the stated denominator condition remains a natural question.
The integral irreducibility theorem and the rational-parameter Galois theorem meet through a classical quadratic transformation. For δ = 0 , 1 \delta=0,1 δ = 0 , 1 , the polynomial F m , r , δ ( x ) F_{m,r,\delta}(x) F m , r , δ ( x ) is a nonzero rational multiple of
P m ( δ − 1 / 2 , r ) ( 1 − 2 x 2 ) . P_m^{(\delta-1/2,r)}(1-2x^2). P m ( δ − 1/2 , r ) ( 1 − 2 x 2 ) .
The parameters δ − 1 / 2 \delta-1/2 δ − 1/2 and r r r satisfy the denominator condition with D = 2 D=2 D = 2 . Write F m , r , δ ( x ) = Q m , r , δ ( x 2 ) F_{m,r,\delta}(x)=Q_{m,r,\delta}(x^2) F m , r , δ ( x ) = Q m , r , δ ( x 2 ) , where Q m , r , δ ∈ Q [ t ] Q_{m,r,\delta}\in\mathbb{Q}[t] Q m , r , δ ∈ Q [ t ] has degree m m m .
Corollary 1.7. Fix an integer r ≥ 0 r\geq0 r ≥ 0 and a number field E E E . For all sufficiently large m m m , and for both δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } , the polynomials F m , r , δ F_{m,r,\delta} F m , r , δ and Q m , r , δ Q_{m,r,\delta} Q m , r , δ are irreducible over E E E , with
Gal ( F m , r , δ / E ) = W m , Gal ( Q m , r , δ / E ) = S m . \operatorname{Gal}(F_{m,r,\delta}/E)=W_m,\qquad\operatorname{Gal}(Q_{m,r,\delta}/E)=S_m. Gal ( F m , r , δ / E ) = W m , Gal ( Q m , r , δ / E ) = S m . Their splitting fields over Q \mathbb{Q} Q are each linearly disjoint from E E E over Q \mathbb{Q} Q .
The two groups describe the two natural sets of roots: S m S_m S m acts on their squares, while W m W_m W m also records the independent changes of sign. Here r r r and E E E are fixed. For r = 0 r=0 r = 0 and E = Q E=\mathbb{Q} E = Q , Theorem 1.2 gives every degree. For r = 1 r=1 r = 1 , irreducibility holds in every degree, whereas the full wreath-product conclusion is proved for sufficiently large degree.
The resultant method
The idea is to estimate the resultant in two ways: the real geometry of the roots gives a lower bound, while their local arithmetic gives an upper bound. § 2 develops the common Jacobi form of this argument. It extends Deng’s comparison of real and p p p -adic factor resultants for Legendre polynomials [10 §1.2] .
Fix rational parameters α , β > − 1 \alpha,\beta>-1 α , β > − 1 and put y n ( t ) = P n ( α , β ) ( 1 − 2 t ) y_n(t)=P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(1-2t) y n ( t ) = P n ( α , β ) ( 1 − 2 t ) . This change of variable preserves irreducibility over Q \mathbb{Q} Q and places the roots in ( 0 , 1 ) (0,1) ( 0 , 1 ) . Suppose that a primitive integral multiple H = κ y n H=\kappa y_n H = κ y n admits a factorization
H = A B , A , B ∈ Z [ t ] primitive , 1 ≤ d = deg A ≤ e = deg B . H=AB,\qquad A,B\in\mathbb{Z}[t]\text{ primitive},\qquad1\leq d=\deg A\leq e=\deg B. H = A B , A , B ∈ Z [ t ] primitive , 1 ≤ d = deg A ≤ e = deg B .
The roots are simple by orthogonality [22 §18.2(vi)] , so the resultant R = Res ( A , B ) R=\operatorname{Res}(A,B) R = Res ( A , B ) is a nonzero integer. Consequently,
log ∣ R ∣ = ∑ p v p ( R ) log p , (6) \log|R|=\sum_p v_p(R)\log p, \tag*{(6)} log ∣ R ∣ = p ∑ v p ( R ) log p , (6)
where v p ( p ) = 1 v_p(p)=1 v p ( p ) = 1 . We seek incompatible bounds for the two sides, uniformly in the possible factor degree d d d .
The common input is an auxiliary polynomial constructed from orthogonality. Let I I I denote integration against the Jacobi weight t α ( 1 − t ) β d t t^{\alpha}(1-t)^{\beta}\,\mathrm{d}t t α ( 1 − t ) β d t on ( 0 , 1 ) (0,1) ( 0 , 1 ) , normalized so that I ( 1 ) = 1 I(1)=1 I ( 1 ) = 1 . Its moments are
μ j = I ( t j ) = ( α + 1 ) j ( α + β + 2 ) j ∈ Q . \mu_j=I(t^j)=\frac{(\alpha+1)_j}{(\alpha+\beta+2)_j}\in\mathbb{Q}. μ j = I ( t j ) = ( α + β + 2 ) j ( α + 1 ) j ∈ Q .
where ( u ) 0 = 1 (u)_0=1 ( u ) 0 = 1 and ( u ) j = u ( u + 1 ) ⋯ ( u + j − 1 ) (u)_j=u(u+1)\cdots(u+j-1) ( u ) j = u ( u + 1 ) ⋯ ( u + j − 1 ) for j ≥ 1 j\geq1 j ≥ 1 ; see (9) . Define
Q H ( t ) = I s ( H ( t ) − H ( s ) t − s ) , σ ( t ) = t ( 1 − t ) . Q_H(t)=I_s\left(\frac{H(t)-H(s)}{t-s}\right),\qquad\sigma(t)=t(1-t). Q H ( t ) = I s ( t − s H ( t ) − H ( s ) ) , σ ( t ) = t ( 1 − t ) .
The divided difference is a polynomial, so Q H ∈ Q [ t ] Q_H\in\mathbb{Q}[t] Q H ∈ Q [ t ] . Orthogonality and the Jacobi differential equation give the identity of Lemma 2.1, which at a root z z z of H H H becomes
σ ( z ) H ′ ( z ) Q H ( z ) = C H , C H = κ 2 C n ∈ Q > 0 . \sigma(z)H'(z)Q_H(z)=C_H,\qquad C_H=\kappa^2 C_n\in\mathbb{Q}_{>0}. σ ( z ) H ′ ( z ) Q H ( z ) = C H , C H = κ 2 C n ∈ Q > 0 .
Here C n C_n C n is the explicit constant in (10) . Because the moments and the constant are rational, this identity can be used both over R \mathbb{R} R and over Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p .
At the real place, the Gaussian quadrature weight ω z \omega_z ω z attached to a root z z z satisfies Q H ( z ) = H ′ ( z ) ω z Q_H(z)=H'(z)\omega_z Q H ( z ) = H ′ ( z ) ω z . These weights are positive and sum to one [22 §3.5(v), equations (3.5.18) and (3.5.20.1)] . Since 0 < z ( 1 − z ) ≤ 1 / 4 0<z(1-z)\leq1/4 0 < z ( 1 − z ) ≤ 1/4 , the root identity gives ∣ H ′ ( z ) ∣ ≥ 2 C H |H'(z)|\geq2\sqrt{C_H} ∣ H ′ ( z ) ∣ ≥ 2 C H ; this is the derivative estimate in Lemma 2.1. For integral parameters, energy estimates from the differential equation give sharper bounds, as shown in the proofs of Theorems 3.1 and 3.4.
To pass from derivatives to the resultant, write a = lc A a=\operatorname{lc} A a = lc A and let ξ 1 , … , ξ d \xi_1,\ldots,\xi_d ξ 1 , … , ξ d be the roots of A A A . Differentiating H = A B H=AB H = A B at these roots gives
∣ R ∣ = ∣ a ∣ e − d ∏ 1 ≤ i < j ≤ d ∣ ξ i − ξ j ∣ 2 ∏ i = 1 d ∣ H ′ ( ξ i ) ∣ . (7) |R|=\frac{|a|^{e-d}}{\prod_{1\leq i<j\leq d}|\xi_i-\xi_j|^2}\prod_{i=1}^{d}|H'(\xi_i)|. \tag*{(7)} ∣ R ∣ = ∏ 1 ≤ i < j ≤ d ∣ ξ i − ξ j ∣ 2 ∣ a ∣ e − d i = 1 ∏ d ∣ H ′ ( ξ i ) ∣. (7)
See also [10 Lemma 5.3] . The denominator is the square of a Vandermonde determinant. The Chebyshev–Hadamard estimate of [10 Lemma 5.5] , recalled in Lemma 2.5, bounds it from above. Together with the derivative estimate and the information supplied by the endpoint values of A A A , this gives the real lower bounds in Lemma 2.6 and Proposition 4.7.
At a finite prime, the same root identity controls how closely the roots can lie. The moment denominators bound the coefficients of Q H Q_H Q H , and hence bound v p ( H ′ ( z ) ) v_p(H'(z)) v p ( H ′ ( z )) when z z z is integral. For a nonintegral root, we pass to the reciprocal polynomial. Lemma 2.2 combines these two cases by using projective root distances. Their nonnegativity allows us to sum over the roots of the smaller factor, giving
v p ( R ) ≤ d E p , E p = v p ( C H ) − min 0 ≤ j ≤ 2 n − 1 v p ( μ j ) . v_p(R)\leq d\,\mathcal{E}_p,\qquad\mathcal{E}_p=v_p(C_H)-\min_{0\leq j\leq2n-1}v_p(\mu_j). v p ( R ) ≤ d E p , E p = v p ( C H ) − 0 ≤ j ≤ 2 n − 1 min v p ( μ j ) .
The exact expression of v p ( R ) v_p(R) v p ( R ) as a sum of projective distances is (14) . This formulation also accounts for primes dividing the leading coefficient, at which some roots may have negative valuation.
A further step restricts the primes that can contribute. Reduction of the differential equation excludes multiple reduced roots away from certain distinguished points. Bounds for the endpoint, central, and leading coefficients then prevent the two factors from meeting at the remaining points of the projective line. The resulting exclusions are proved in (29) , (39) , and Lemma 4.4. They make the local sum small enough for the comparison to succeed in the ranges stated in our theorems.
The estimates needed to complete the argument depend on the parameters. For fixed unequal nonnegative integers a , b a,b a , b , Lemma 3.2 expresses P 2 m + δ ( a , b ) ( 0 ) P_{2m+\delta}^{(a,b)}(0) P 2 m + δ ( a , b ) ( 0 ) , with δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } , as a central binomial factor times a rational function of m m m whose numerator is a nonzero polynomial of fixed degree. Outside its finitely many zeros, this controls the additional large primes that may divide the resultant. After division by d d d , their contribution is O a , b ( log n ) O_{a,b}(\log n) O a , b ( log n ) ; see (31) . For equal parameters, we remove the zero forced by odd parity, as in (3) . The local bound then contains a factorial ratio whose valuations are retained with their signs; see (36) . Preserving this cancellation gives the sharper uniform estimates when the parameter grows proportionally to the degree (Proposition 3.6).
For the Kaneko–Zagier families, passing to the primitive polynomial is a substantial part of the argument. After denominators are cleared, the coefficients have a common divisor whose logarithm grows linearly with the degree; see (49) and Proposition 4.5. We estimate this content together with the moment denominators, counting divisibility at each prime power so as to preserve the cancellation between them (Lemma 4.2). At 2 and 3, Taylor recurrences from the differential equation control the separation of roots, while digit sums associated with the Newton polygons control the accumulated error (Proposition 4.6). Combining these estimates with the real bound gives the positive gap in (70) , uniformly in the degree of a possible factor. The explicit cutoff and the remaining finite checks are given in Propositions B.1 and B.2, completing the argument in every degree.
Arithmetic applications
To determine the Galois groups, we combine irreducibility with the ramification detected by Newton polygons. At suitable primes, the reciprocal polynomial has an Eisenstein factor, while squarefree reduction shows that the remaining roots lie in an unramified extension. In the tame cases, inertia therefore contains a single cycle fixing every other root (Lemma 5.1 and Proposition 5.2). On the transitive root set under consideration, a cycle moving more than half the roots forces every possible block size to divide its length (Lemma 5.3). The formula for the cycle length would then confine all the selected primes to one residue class for a larger modulus. Explicit estimates for primes in arithmetic progressions [3 Corollary 1.7] and the Brun–Titchmarsh inequality [21 Theorem 2, Eq. (1.10)] exclude such a block system; see Proposition 5.7 and its extension in § 5.5 . The action is therefore primitive. Since the constructed cycles leave at least three roots fixed, Jones’s theorem [17 Corollary 1.3] , recalled in Theorem 5.4, gives the alternating group. A cycle of even length then gives the symmetric group.
When the roots occur in opposite pairs, we first determine the permutation group on the pairs. A suitable power of an inertia element interchanges the two roots in an odd, nonempty proper set of pairs. Its conjugates generate all independent sign changes, giving the full wreath product (Lemma 5.5). The unequal integral case uses a different argument: wild inertia supplies a prime-length cycle, to which Jordan’s theorem applies [17 Theorem 1.1] , and an odd valuation of the discriminant supplies the odd permutation needed to obtain the symmetric group (Lemma 5.16).
The same ramification also controls intersections of splitting fields. Let L / Q L/\mathbb{Q} L / Q be one of the splitting fields under consideration, and let E ~ \widetilde{E} E be the Galois closure of a fixed number field E E E . The intersection L ∩ E ~ L \cap\widetilde{E} L ∩ E is Galois over Q \mathbb{Q} Q . At a prime unramified in E ~ \widetilde{E} E , inertia acts trivially on this intersection. The inertia subgroups used in our constructions normally generate Gal ( L / Q ) \operatorname{Gal}(L/\mathbb{Q}) Gal ( L / Q ) , so L ∩ E ~ = Q L \cap\widetilde{E} = \mathbb{Q} L ∩ E = Q ; see Lemma 5.6 and, for unequal integral parameters, the proof of Theorem 1.3 in § 5.7 . Since the selected primes tend to infinity with the degree, they eventually avoid the finite set of primes ramified in E ~ \widetilde{E} E . This gives the assertions over every fixed number field, including Corollary 5.14. The disjointness of the large and complementary factors in Theorem 1.6 follows from the same principle: there the chosen inertia elements fix every root of the complementary factor.
The modular origin of the Kaneko–Zagier families gives one reason to study these Galois groups. These Jacobi polynomials occur as polynomial factors of modular forms. When the corresponding modular index is prime, the affine normalization described in § 6.4 , together with the prescribed factors at j = 0 j=0 j = 0 and j = 1728 j=1728 j = 1728 , reduces to the polynomial of supersingular j j j -invariants [18 Theorem 1] . Theorem 1.1 determines the arithmetic of the characteristic-zero Jacobi factors in every positive degree.
A second application comes from spherical harmonics. The dependence on the polar angle of a mode of degree ℓ \ell ℓ and order r r r , with 0 ≤ r ≤ ℓ 0 \le r \le\ell 0 ≤ r ≤ ℓ , is, up to normalization,
( sin θ ) r P ℓ ( r ) ( cos θ ) , (\sin\theta)^r P_{\ell}^{(r)}(\cos\theta), ( sin θ ) r P ℓ ( r ) ( cos θ ) ,
where P ℓ ( r ) P_{\ell}^{(r)} P ℓ ( r ) denotes the r r r th derivative of the Legendre polynomial [22 Eqs. 14.7.8 and 14.30.1] . The circular harmonic cone x 2 + y 2 − 2 z 2 = 0 x^2+y^2-2z^2=0 x 2 + y 2 − 2 z 2 = 0 meets the unit sphere at cos θ = ± 1 / 3 \cos\theta= \pm1/\sqrt{3} cos θ = ± 1/ 3 . Thus such a mode vanishes on the cone precisely when 3 x 2 − 1 3x^2-1 3 x 2 − 1 divides P ℓ ( r ) P_{\ell}^{(r)} P ℓ ( r ) . Proposition 6.3 retains the arithmetic of this prescribed factor in the resultant comparison. It yields an effective absolute threshold beyond which, uniformly for 0 ≤ r ≤ ℓ 0 \le r \le\ell 0 ≤ r ≤ ℓ ,
P ℓ ( r ) ( 1 / 3 ) = 0 ⟹ 23 r > 4 ( ℓ − 1 ) P_{\ell}^{(r)}(1/\sqrt{3})=0 \quad\Longrightarrow\quad23r>4(\ell-1) P ℓ ( r ) ( 1/ 3 ) = 0 ⟹ 23 r > 4 ( ℓ − 1 )
(Corollary 6.5 ). This gives a simultaneous restriction on degree and order in Agranovsky’s question concerning homogeneous harmonic polynomials divisible by this cone [1 §6, Question 4] . It complements the theorem of Mangoubi and Weller Weiser [20 Theorem 2] : the order must be even, and each fixed order admits at most one degree. The new estimate restricts the possible modes without giving a complete classification.
The third application concerns hyperelliptic Jacobians. The roots of a separable polynomial f f f are the finite branch points of the double cover with affine equation y 2 = f ( x ) y^2=f(x) y 2 = f ( x ) . Their permutation action determines the Galois action on the 2-torsion of the Jacobian, connecting the arithmetic of the polynomial with that of an abelian variety. Let J f J_f J f be the Jacobian of the smooth projective model. If f ∈ Q [ x ] f \in\mathbb{Q}[x] f ∈ Q [ x ] has degree d ≥ 9 d \ge9 d ≥ 9 and Gal ( f / Q ) = S d \operatorname{Gal}(f/\mathbb{Q})=S_d Gal ( f / Q ) = S d , Zarhin’s theorem [28 Theorem 2.4] gives
End Q ( J f ) = Z . \operatorname{End}_{\mathbb{Q}}(J_f)=\mathbb{Z}. End Q ( J f ) = Z .
His results also establish the Hodge and Tate conjectures on every power of J f J_f J f , with the corresponding classes generated by divisor classes, and the Mumford–Tate conjecture for J f J_f J f and its powers [28 Theorems 8.1 and 9.1, and Remark 9.2] . Corollary 6.6 records these consequences for our families. In particular, Theorem 1.1 makes them available for the Jacobians associated with all four Kaneko–Zagier families in every degree at least 9.
Organization
Section 2 develops the common resultant comparison. Section 3 treats integral parameters and derivatives, and Section 4 treats Kaneko–Zagier irreducibility. Section 5 proves the Galois and splitting-field results. Section 6 gives the applications.
The appendices contain local irreducibility theorems, the explicit cutoff, and the finite calculations needed for the all-degree statements. The finite Galois inputs are the published conditional results in [7 , 8 ] , used with their stated degree and modular-index ranges.
Disclosure of AI assistance
This work was developed by the author with assistance from ChatGPT (OpenAI). The author developed the overall approach and methods, building on the prior work cited in the manuscript. During the research and preparation of the manuscript, ChatGPT was used to discuss and revise mathematical arguments, improve the exposition, and search for relevant literature. It also assisted with all computations presented in the appendices.
A common resultant comparison
We now establish the estimates used in the irreducibility proofs. The aim is to bound a factor resultant from below at the real place and from above through its prime divisors. Both estimates must be proportional to the smaller factor degree, so that the comparison excludes every proper factor at once.
The common input is a Jacobi identity obtained from orthogonality. We first use it to bound derivatives at the real roots and distances between roots over a p p p -adic field. We then specialize to integral weights, where the moment denominators admit a particularly simple bound. The final two lemmas turn these estimates into a form ready for the arithmetic comparison.
For a prime p p p , we normalize the valuation by v p ( p ) = 1 v_p(p)=1 v p ( p ) = 1 , extend it to Q ‾ p \overline{\mathbb{Q}}_p Q p , and set v p ( 0 ) = + ∞ v_p(0)=+\infty v p ( 0 ) = + ∞ . The Gauss norm is the maximum of the absolute values of the coefficients. A polynomial in Z p [ t ] \mathbb{Z}_p[t] Z p [ t ] is primitive when its Gauss norm is 1. Globally, a primitive integral polynomial has coefficient gcd 1. All logarithms are natural, and empty products equal 1. Write ( z ) j = z ( z + 1 ) ⋯ ( z + j − 1 ) (z)_j=z(z+1)\cdots(z+j-1) ( z ) j = z ( z + 1 ) ⋯ ( z + j − 1 ) , with ( z ) 0 = 1 (z)_0=1 ( z ) 0 = 1 .
The Jacobi identity
Fix real α , β > − 1 \alpha,\beta>-1 α , β > − 1 , put c = α + β c=\alpha+\beta c = α + β , and let y n ( t ) = P n ( α , β ) ( 1 − 2 t ) y_n(t)=P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(1-2t) y n ( t ) = P n ( α , β ) ( 1 − 2 t ) , where n ≥ 1 n\ge1 n ≥ 1 . The endpoint expansion is
y n ( t ) = ∑ j = 0 n ( − 1 ) j ( n + α n − j ) ( n + c + j j ) t j (8) y_n(t)=\sum_{j=0}^{n}(-1)^j\binom{n+\alpha}{n-j}\binom{n+c+j}{j}t^j \tag*{(8)} y n ( t ) = j = 0 ∑ n ( − 1 ) j ( n − j n + α ) ( j n + c + j ) t j (8)
Let I I I denote integration against the probability measure
d ω ( t ) = t α ( 1 − t ) β B ( α + 1 , β + 1 ) d t , 0 < t < 1. d\omega(t)=\frac{t^\alpha(1-t)^\beta}{B(\alpha+1,\beta+1)}\,dt,\qquad0<t<1. d ω ( t ) = B ( α + 1 , β + 1 ) t α ( 1 − t ) β d t , 0 < t < 1.
Here B ( s , t ) B(s,t) B ( s , t ) is Euler’s beta function. Thus
I ( t j ) = μ j = ( α + 1 ) j ( c + 2 ) j . (9) I(t^j)=\mu_j=\frac{(\alpha+1)_j}{(c+2)_j}. \tag*{(9)} I ( t j ) = μ j = ( c + 2 ) j ( α + 1 ) j . (9)
The roots of y n y_n y n are simple and lie in ( 0 , 1 ) (0,1) ( 0 , 1 ) , and I ( y n q ) = 0 I(y_nq)=0 I ( y n q ) = 0 for deg q < n \deg q<n deg q < n . These standard Jacobi properties follow from Rodrigues’ formula; see [22 §§18.2–18.5] . Define
Q n ( t ) = I s ( y n ( t ) − y n ( s ) t − s ) , σ ( t ) = t ( 1 − t ) , ρ ( t ) = α − c t . Q_n(t)=I_s\left(\frac{y_n(t)-y_n(s)}{t-s}\right),\qquad\sigma(t)=t(1-t),\qquad\rho(t)=\alpha-ct. Q n ( t ) = I s ( t − s y n ( t ) − y n ( s ) ) , σ ( t ) = t ( 1 − t ) , ρ ( t ) = α − c t .
The difference quotient is a polynomial of degree at most n − 1 n-1 n − 1 . It gives a second polynomial whose value at a root can be compared with the derivative of y n y_n y n . Positivity of the measure makes the quadrature weights positive, and the probability normalization makes their sum one. For rational parameters the moments are rational, so I I I also has a coefficientwise interpretation over every field of characteristic zero. This is why the following identity can be used at both the real and finite places.
Lemma 2.1. One has the polynomial identity
( c + 1 ) y n 2 + σ ( y n ′ Q n − y n Q n ′ ) + ρ y n Q n = C n , C n = ( α + 1 ) n ( β + 1 ) n n ! ( c + 2 ) n − 1 > 0. (10) (c+1)y_n^2+\sigma(y_n'Q_n-y_nQ_n')+\rho y_nQ_n=C_n,\qquad C_n=\frac{(\alpha+1)_n(\beta+1)_n}{n!(c+2)_{n-1}}>0. \tag*{(10)} ( c + 1 ) y n 2 + σ ( y n ′ Q n − y n Q n ′ ) + ρ y n Q n = C n , C n = n ! ( c + 2 ) n − 1 ( α + 1 ) n ( β + 1 ) n > 0. (10) At every root t i t_i t i of y n y_n y n ,
∣ y n ′ ( t i ) ∣ ≥ 2 C n , C n ⟶ Γ ( c + 2 ) Γ ( α + 1 ) Γ ( β + 1 ) > 0. (11) \lvert y_n'(t_i)\rvert\ge2\sqrt{C_n},\qquad C_n\longrightarrow\frac{\Gamma(c+2)}{\Gamma(\alpha+1)\Gamma(\beta+1)}>0. \tag*{(11)} ∣ y n ′ ( t i )∣ ≥ 2 C n , C n ⟶ Γ ( α + 1 ) Γ ( β + 1 ) Γ ( c + 2 ) > 0. (11)
Proof. Write τ = σ ′ + ρ = α + 1 − ( c + 2 ) t \tau=\sigma'+\rho=\alpha+1-(c+2)t τ = σ ′ + ρ = α + 1 − ( c + 2 ) t and Λ = n ( n + c + 1 ) \Lambda=n(n+c+1) Λ = n ( n + c + 1 ) . The Jacobi equation is
σ y n ′ ′ + τ y n ′ + Λ y n = 0 (12) \sigma y_n''+\tau y_n'+\Lambda y_n=0 \tag*{(12)} σ y n ′′ + τ y n ′ + Λ y n = 0 (12)
Writing d ω = w ( t ) d t d\omega=w(t)\,dt d ω = w ( t ) d t , the density satisfies ( σ w ) ′ = τ w (\sigma w)'=\tau w ( σ w ) ′ = τ w . For real t > 1 t>1 t > 1 , put
m ( t ) = I s ( ( t − s ) − 1 ) , q ( t ) = I s ( y n ( s ) / ( t − s ) ) . m(t)=I_s((t-s)^{-1}),\qquad q(t)=I_s(y_n(s)/(t-s)). m ( t ) = I s (( t − s ) − 1 ) , q ( t ) = I s ( y n ( s ) / ( t − s )) .
Integration by parts gives
σ m ′ − ρ m = c + 1 , σ q ′ ′ + ( σ ′ − ρ ) q ′ + ( Λ + c ) q = 0. \sigma m'-\rho m=c+1,\qquad\sigma q''+(\sigma'-\rho)q'+(\Lambda+c)q=0. σ m ′ − ρ m = c + 1 , σ q ′′ + ( σ ′ − ρ ) q ′ + ( Λ + c ) q = 0.
The endpoint terms vanish because α , β > − 1 \alpha,\beta>-1 α , β > − 1 and σ w \sigma w σ w vanishes at both endpoints. Substituting Q n = y n m − q Q_n=y_nm-q Q n = y n m − q gives
σ Q n ′ ′ + ( σ ′ − ρ ) Q n ′ + ( Λ + c ) Q n = 2 ( c + 1 ) y n ′ . \sigma Q_n''+(\sigma'-\rho)Q_n'+(\Lambda+c)Q_n=2(c+1)y_n'. σ Q n ′′ + ( σ ′ − ρ ) Q n ′ + ( Λ + c ) Q n = 2 ( c + 1 ) y n ′ .
Differentiating the left side of (10) , and using these two differential equations, shows that it is constant. Orthogonality gives
q ( t ) = I ( y n 2 ) lc ( y n ) t − n − 1 + O ( t − n − 2 ) . q(t)=\frac{I(y_n^2)}{\operatorname{lc}(y_n)}t^{-n-1}+O(t^{-n-2}). q ( t ) = lc ( y n ) I ( y n 2 ) t − n − 1 + O ( t − n − 2 ) .
Consequently the constant is ( 2 n + c + 1 ) I ( y n 2 ) (2n+c+1)I(y_n^2) ( 2 n + c + 1 ) I ( y n 2 ) , which equals C n C_n C n by the Jacobi norm formula. The identity is polynomial, so its validity for t > 1 t>1 t > 1 proves it everywhere.
For a root t i t_i t i , let
ℓ i ( t ) = y n ( t ) ( t − t i ) y n ′ ( t ) . \ell_i(t)=\frac{y_n(t)}{(t-t_i)y_n'(t)}. ℓ i ( t ) = ( t − t i ) y n ′ ( t ) y n ( t ) .
Since ℓ i 2 − ℓ i \ell_i^2-\ell_i ℓ i 2 − ℓ i is divisible by y n y_n y n , with quotient of degree at most n − 2 n-2 n − 2 , orthogonality yields
ω i : = I ( ℓ i ) = I ( ℓ i 2 ) > 0. \omega_i:=I(\ell_i)=I(\ell_i^2)>0. ω i := I ( ℓ i ) = I ( ℓ i 2 ) > 0.
Also ∑ i ℓ i = 1 \sum_i\ell_i=1 ∑ i ℓ i = 1 , so ω i ≤ 1 \omega_i\le1 ω i ≤ 1 . The definition of Q n Q_n Q n gives Q n ( t i ) = y n ′ ( t i ) ω i Q_n(t_i)=y_n'(t_i)\omega_i Q n ( t i ) = y n ′ ( t i ) ω i . Thus
C n = t i ( 1 − t i ) y n ′ ( t i ) 2 ω i ≤ 1 4 y n ′ ( t i ) 2 . C_n=t_i(1-t_i)y_n'(t_i)^2\omega_i\le\frac{1}{4}y_n'(t_i)^2. C n = t i ( 1 − t i ) y n ′ ( t i ) 2 ω i ≤ 4 1 y n ′ ( t i ) 2 .
Finally, the stated limit follows by expressing the rising factorials in C n C_n C n as gamma quotients. □
The numbers ω i \omega_i ω i in the proof are the Gaussian quadrature weights. Indeed, if deg q ≤ 2 n − 1 \deg q\le2n-1 deg q ≤ 2 n − 1 , division by y n y_n y n gives q = y n s + r q=y_ns+r q = y n s + r with deg s , deg r < n \deg s,\deg r<n deg s , deg r < n . Orthogonality and interpolation then give
I ( q ) = I ( r ) = ∑ i = 1 n ω i r ( t i ) = ∑ i = 1 n ω i q ( t i ) . I(q)=I(r)=\sum_{i=1}^{n}\omega_i r(t_i)=\sum_{i=1}^{n}\omega_i q(t_i). I ( q ) = I ( r ) = i = 1 ∑ n ω i r ( t i ) = i = 1 ∑ n ω i q ( t i ) .
Thus a familiar formula for numerical integration supplies the derivative estimate needed for the arithmetic argument; see also [22 §3.5(v)] .
Projective root distances
A primitive polynomial over Z p \mathbb{Z}_p Z p need not have integral roots: its leading coefficient may be divisible by p p p . To include these roots, we measure distances on the projective line. The quantity δ p ( z , w ) \delta_p(z,w) δ p ( z , w ) defined below is nonnegative and unchanged by inversion. For integral roots it equals v p ( z − w ) v_p(z-w) v p ( z − w ) ; a large value means that the roots are close in the projective p p p -adic metric. The valuation of a resultant is the sum of these quantities over pairs of roots in different factors. We bound the sum from a single root to all the others, then sum over the smaller factor.
Lemma 2.2 (Projective moment bound). Let p p p be a prime and let H ∈ Z p [ t ] H\in\mathbb{Z}_p[t] H ∈ Z p [ t ] be primitive (at least one coefficient is a unit) of degree n ≥ 1 n\ge1 n ≥ 1 . Let I I I be a Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p -linear functional on the polynomials of degree at most 2 n − 1 2n-1 2 n − 1 , with moments μ j = I ( t j ) \mu_j=I(t^j) μ j = I ( t j ) , such that
I ( H q ) = 0 ( deg q < n ) . I(Hq)=0\qquad(\deg q<n). I ( H q ) = 0 ( deg q < n ) . Put
Q H ( t ) = I s ( H ( t ) − H ( s ) t − s ) , σ ( t ) = t ( 1 − t ) . Q_H(t)=I_s\left(\frac{H(t)-H(s)}{t-s}\right),\qquad\sigma(t)=t(1-t). Q H ( t ) = I s ( t − s H ( t ) − H ( s ) ) , σ ( t ) = t ( 1 − t ) . Suppose that some C ∈ Q p × C\in\mathbb{Q}_p^\times C ∈ Q p × satisfies
σ ( z ) H ′ ( z ) Q H ( z ) = C at every root z of H . \sigma(z)H'(z)Q_H(z)=C\qquad\text{at every root }z\text{ of }H. σ ( z ) H ′ ( z ) Q H ( z ) = C at every root z of H . Write
η p = min 0 ≤ j ≤ 2 n − 1 v p ( μ j ) , E p = v p ( C ) − η p . \eta_p=\min_{0\le j\le2n-1}v_p(\mu_j),\qquad\mathcal{E}_p=v_p(C)-\eta_p. η p = 0 ≤ j ≤ 2 n − 1 min v p ( μ j ) , E p = v p ( C ) − η p . For distinct roots put
δ p ( z , w ) = v p ( z − w ) − min { v p ( z ) , 0 } − min { v p ( w ) , 0 } . \delta_p(z,w)=v_p(z-w)-\min\{v_p(z),0\}-\min\{v_p(w),0\}. δ p ( z , w ) = v p ( z − w ) − min { v p ( z ) , 0 } − min { v p ( w ) , 0 } . Every root satisfies the projective row bound
∑ H ( w ) = 0 , w ≠ z δ p ( z , w ) ≤ E p . (13) \sum_{\substack{H(w)=0,\,w\ne z}}\delta_p(z,w)\le\mathcal{E}_p. \tag*{(13)} H ( w ) = 0 , w = z ∑ δ p ( z , w ) ≤ E p . (13) Consequently, for every primitive factorization H = A B H=AB H = A B in Z p [ t ] \mathbb{Z}_p[t] Z p [ t ] , with k = deg A k=\deg A k = deg A and R = Res ( A , B ) R=\operatorname{Res}(A,B) R = Res ( A , B ) ,
v p ( R ) ≤ k E p . v_p(R)\le k\mathcal{E}_p. v p ( R ) ≤ k E p .
Proof. The root identity implies that the roots are simple and avoid 0 , 1 0,1 0 , 1 . The projective distances δ p ( z , w ) \delta_p(z,w) δ p ( z , w ) are nonnegative. Multiplicativity of the Gauss norm gives, for every primitive F ∈ Z p [ t ] F \in\mathbb{Z}_p[t] F ∈ Z p [ t ] ,
v p ( lc F ) = − ∑ F ( w ) = 0 min { v p ( w ) , 0 } . v_p(\operatorname{lc} F)=-\sum_{F(w)=0}\min\{v_p(w),0\}. v p ( lc F ) = − F ( w ) = 0 ∑ min { v p ( w ) , 0 } .
Thus the full projective row at an integral root z z z of H H H is v p ( H ′ ( z ) ) v_p(H'(z)) v p ( H ′ ( z )) . If z z z is nonintegral, inversion preserves δ p \delta_p δ p , and the same observation applied to the primitive polynomial H ^ ( X ) = X n H ( 1 / X ) \widehat{H}(X)=X^nH(1/X) H ( X ) = X n H ( 1/ X ) identifies its row with v p ( H ^ ′ ( z − 1 ) ) v_p(\widehat{H}'(z^{-1})) v p ( H ′ ( z − 1 )) . The same formula gives
v p ( R ) = ∑ A ( z ) = 0 ∑ B ( w ) = 0 δ p ( z , w ) . (14) v_p(R)=\sum_{A(z)=0}\sum_{B(w)=0}\delta_p(z,w). \tag*{(14)} v p ( R ) = A ( z ) = 0 ∑ B ( w ) = 0 ∑ δ p ( z , w ) . (14)
The coefficients of Q H Q_H Q H are Z p \mathbb{Z}_p Z p -linear combinations of the moments. At an integral root, therefore, v p ( Q H ( z ) ) ≥ η p v_p(Q_H(z))\geq\eta_p v p ( Q H ( z )) ≥ η p and v p ( σ ( z ) ) ≥ 0 v_p(\sigma(z))\geq0 v p ( σ ( z )) ≥ 0 , so the root identity gives v p ( H ′ ( z ) ) ≤ E p v_p(H'(z))\leq\mathcal{E}_p v p ( H ′ ( z )) ≤ E p . For a nonintegral root put b = z − 1 b=z^{-1} b = z − 1 and r = v p ( b ) > 0 r=v_p(b)>0 r = v p ( b ) > 0 . Extend I I I linearly to the local field containing b b b . The polynomial
q ( t ) = H ( t ) 1 − b t q(t)=\frac{H(t)}{1-bt} q ( t ) = 1 − b t H ( t )
has integral coefficients in that field: if H j H_j H j and q j q_j q j denote the coefficients of H H H and q q q , respectively, coefficient comparison gives q j = H j + b q j − 1 q_j=H_j+bq_{j-1} q j = H j + b q j − 1 for 0 ≤ j < n 0\leq j<n 0 ≤ j < n , with q − 1 = 0 q_{-1}=0 q − 1 = 0 . For 0 ≤ j < n 0\leq j<n 0 ≤ j < n , orthogonality gives I ( t j q ) = b I ( t j + 1 q ) I(t^jq)=bI(t^{j+1}q) I ( t j q ) = b I ( t j + 1 q ) , and hence
I ( q ) = b n I ( t n q ) , Q ^ ( b ) = − b n I ( q ) = − b 2 n I ( t n q ) , Q ^ ( X ) = X n − 1 Q H ( 1 / X ) . I(q)=b^nI(t^nq),\qquad\widehat{Q}(b)=-b^nI(q)=-b^{2n}I(t^nq),\qquad\widehat{Q}(X)=X^{n-1}Q_H(1/X). I ( q ) = b n I ( t n q ) , Q ( b ) = − b n I ( q ) = − b 2 n I ( t n q ) , Q ( X ) = X n − 1 Q H ( 1/ X ) .
Since deg ( t n q ) = 2 n − 1 \deg(t^nq)=2n-1 deg ( t n q ) = 2 n − 1 , it follows that v p ( Q ^ ( b ) ) ≥ 2 n r + η p v_p(\widehat{Q}(b))\geq2nr+\eta_p v p ( Q ( b )) ≥ 2 n r + η p . Reversing the root identity gives
( 1 − b ) H ^ ′ ( b ) Q ^ ( b ) = C b 2 n − 1 , (1-b)\widehat{H}'(b)\widehat{Q}(b)=Cb^{2n-1}, ( 1 − b ) H ′ ( b ) Q ( b ) = C b 2 n − 1 ,
so v p ( H ^ ′ ( b ) ) ≤ E p − r v_p(\widehat{H}'(b))\leq\mathcal{E}_p-r v p ( H ′ ( b )) ≤ E p − r . Finally, all projective distances are nonnegative. Summing the k k k full rows belonging to the roots of A A A bounds the cross-factor sum in (14) by k E p k\mathcal{E}_p k E p . □
The reflection t = − X t=-X t = − X gives the same bound for root identities with σ ( X ) = X ( X + 1 ) \sigma(X)=X(X+1) σ ( X ) = X ( X + 1 ) : the change of sign in the constant does not affect its valuation. The estimate applies to subsets of roots as well, since all omitted projective distances are nonnegative.
Integral weights
For integral parameters, we move the endpoints to − 1 , 0 -1,0 − 1 , 0 and normalize the polynomial to have value one at 0 0 0 . The weight is then a polynomial with integer coefficients, so its moment denominators are controlled by a short interval of integers. The constant in the root identity becomes a factorial ratio. Its valuation may have either sign; retaining that sign will be essential when the parameter is allowed to grow with the degree.
Fix nonnegative integers a , b a,b a , b and an integer n ≥ 1 n\geq1 n ≥ 1 . Put
B = ( n + a a ) , S = 2 n + a + b + 1 , T = ∏ j = 1 a + b ( n + j ) , B=\binom{n+a}{a},\qquad S=2n+a+b+1,\qquad T=\prod_{j=1}^{a+b}(n+j), B = ( a n + a ) , S = 2 n + a + b + 1 , T = j = 1 ∏ a + b ( n + j ) ,
and write
J ( X ) = P n ( a , b ) ( 2 X + 1 ) = ∑ j = 0 n ( n + a n − j ) ( n + a + b + j j ) X j , Q = J / B . J(X)=P_n^{(a,b)}(2X+1)=\sum_{j=0}^{n}\binom{n+a}{n-j}\binom{n+a+b+j}{j}X^j,\qquad Q=J/B. J ( X ) = P n ( a , b ) ( 2 X + 1 ) = j = 0 ∑ n ( n − j n + a ) ( j n + a + b + j ) X j , Q = J / B .
Thus J ∈ Z [ X ] J\in\mathbb{Z}[X] J ∈ Z [ X ] and Q ( 0 ) = 1 Q(0)=1 Q ( 0 ) = 1 . With p 0 ( X ) = X ( X + 1 ) p_0(X)=X(X+1) p 0 ( X ) = X ( X + 1 ) , define
I ( g ) = ∫ − 1 0 g ( t ) ( − t ) a ( t + 1 ) b d t , V ( X ) = I ( Q ( X ) − Q ( t ) X − t ) . I(g)=\int_{-1}^{0}g(t)(-t)^a(t+1)^b\,dt,\qquad V(X)=I\left(\frac{Q(X)-Q(t)}{X-t}\right). I ( g ) = ∫ − 1 0 g ( t ) ( − t ) a ( t + 1 ) b d t , V ( X ) = I ( X − t Q ( X ) − Q ( t ) ) .
The quotient inside the integral is a polynomial. The moments of I I I are rational, so we extend I I I coefficientwise to polynomials over any field of characteristic zero. This is the meaning of I I I in the local arguments below. Orthogonality gives I ( t j Q ) = 0 I(t^jQ)=0 I ( t j Q ) = 0 for 0 ≤ j < n 0 \le j < n 0 ≤ j < n . Expanding the weight, which has integer coefficients, also gives
v p ( I ( t j ) ) ≥ − ⌊ log p ( j + a + b + 1 ) ⌋ ( j ≥ 0 ) . (15) v_p(I(t^j)) \ge-\left\lfloor\log_p(j+a+b+1)\right\rfloor\qquad(j \ge0). \tag*{(15)} v p ( I ( t j )) ≥ − ⌊ log p ( j + a + b + 1 ) ⌋ ( j ≥ 0 ) . (15)
Indeed, the integral is an integral linear combination of reciprocals of integers at most j + a + b + 1 j+a+b+1 j + a + b + 1 .
Lemma 2.3. At every root α \alpha α of Q Q Q ,
p 0 ( α ) Q ′ ( α ) V ( α ) = C n , C n = − ( a ! ) 2 n ! ( n + b ) ! ( n + a ) ! ( n + a + b ) ! . (16) p_0(\alpha)Q'(\alpha)V(\alpha)=C_n,\qquad C_n=-\frac{(a!)^2n!(n+b)!}{(n+a)!(n+a+b)!}. \tag*{(16)} p 0 ( α ) Q ′ ( α ) V ( α ) = C n , C n = − ( n + a )! ( n + a + b )! ( a ! ) 2 n ! ( n + b )! . (16) Proof. Apply Lemma 2.1 with parameters a , b a,b a , b , then make the substitution t = − X t=-X t = − X . The present functional is B ( a + 1 , b + 1 ) B(a+1,b+1) B ( a + 1 , b + 1 ) times the probability functional in that lemma, and Q ( X ) = y n ( − X ) / ( n + a a ) Q(X)=y_n(-X)/\binom{n+a}{a} Q ( X ) = y n ( − X ) / ( a n + a ) . Thus the root constant is
− B ( a + 1 , b + 1 ) ( a + 1 ) n ( b + 1 ) n ( n + a a ) 2 n ! ( a + b + 2 ) n − 1 = − ( a ! ) 2 n ! ( n + b ) ! ( n + a ) ! ( n + a + b ) ! . -\frac{B(a+1,b+1)(a+1)_n(b+1)_n}{\binom{n+a}{a}^2\,n!(a+b+2)_{n-1}}=-\frac{(a!)^2n!(n+b)!}{(n+a)!(n+a+b)!}. − ( a n + a ) 2 n ! ( a + b + 2 ) n − 1 B ( a + 1 , b + 1 ) ( a + 1 ) n ( b + 1 ) n = − ( n + a )! ( n + a + b )! ( a ! ) 2 n ! ( n + b )! .
Lemma 2.4. Put
d p = − min j v p ( [ X j ] Q ) , L p = ⌊ log p S ⌋ . d_p=-\min_j v_p([X^j]Q),\qquad L_p=\left\lfloor\log_p S\right\rfloor. d p = − j min v p ([ X j ] Q ) , L p = ⌊ log p S ⌋ . For every root α \alpha α of Q Q Q ,
∑ Q ( γ ) = 0 γ ≠ α δ p ( α , γ ) ≤ L p + 2 d p + v p ( C n ) . \sum_{\substack{Q(\gamma)=0\\\gamma\ne\alpha}}\delta_p(\alpha,\gamma)\le L_p+2d_p+v_p(C_n). Q ( γ ) = 0 γ = α ∑ δ p ( α , γ ) ≤ L p + 2 d p + v p ( C n ) . In particular, this sum is at most
D p = L p + v p ( T ) . (17) D_p=L_p+v_p(T). \tag*{(17)} D p = L p + v p ( T ) . (17) For a = b = r a=b=r a = b = r one has the sharper bound
D p = L p + v p ( ( n + r ) ! 2 n ! ( n + 2 r ) ! ) . (18) D_p=L_p+v_p\left(\frac{(n+r)!^2}{n!(n+2r)!}\right). \tag*{(18)} D p = L p + v p ( n ! ( n + 2 r )! ( n + r ) ! 2 ) . (18) Each bound applies at p = 2 p=2 p = 2 as well. The resultant of two factors normalized to Gauss norm 1 and with disjoint root sets has valuation at most the smaller degree times the corresponding bound.
Proof. Since Q ( 0 ) = 1 Q(0)=1 Q ( 0 ) = 1 and B Q ∈ Z [ X ] BQ\in\mathbb{Z}[X] B Q ∈ Z [ X ] , one has 0 ≤ d p ≤ v p ( B ) 0\le d_p\le v_p(B) 0 ≤ d p ≤ v p ( B ) . The polynomial u = p d p Q u=p^{d_p}Q u = p d p Q has Gauss norm 1, and its root identity has constant p 2 d p C n p^{2d_p}C_n p 2 d p C n . The moment bound (15) , through degree 2 n − 1 2n-1 2 n − 1 , is at least − L p -L_p − L p . The reflected form of Lemma 2.2 therefore gives the first assertion, including nonintegral roots. For U a = ∏ j = 1 a ( n + j ) U_a=\prod_{j=1}^{a}(n+j) U a = ∏ j = 1 a ( n + j ) and V a = ∏ j = 1 a ( n + b + j ) V_a=\prod_{j=1}^{a}(n+b+j) V a = ∏ j = 1 a ( n + b + j ) ,
2 d p + v p ( C n ) ≤ 2 v p ( B ) + v p ( C n ) = v p ( U a ) − v p ( V a ) ≤ v p ( T ) . 2d_p+v_p(C_n)\le2v_p(B)+v_p(C_n)=v_p(U_a)-v_p(V_a)\le v_p(T). 2 d p + v p ( C n ) ≤ 2 v p ( B ) + v p ( C n ) = v p ( U a ) − v p ( V a ) ≤ v p ( T ) .
When a = b = r a=b=r a = b = r , the middle expression is the valuation of ( n + r ) ! 2 / ( n ! ( n + 2 r ) ! ) (n+r)!^2/(n!(n+2r)!) ( n + r ) ! 2 / ( n ! ( n + 2 r )!) . Summing over the smaller root set bounds the resultant; removing roots only decreases the sums.
The real estimate and the prime 2
We use the Chebyshev–Hadamard estimate appearing in [10 Lemma 5.5] .
Lemma 2.5. For t 1 , … , t k ∈ [ 0 , 1 ] t_1,\ldots,t_k\in[0,1] t 1 , … , t k ∈ [ 0 , 1 ] ,
∏ i < j ∣ t i − t j ∣ 2 ≤ k k 2 − 2 ( k − 1 ) 2 . \prod_{i<j}|t_i-t_j|^2\le k^k2^{-2(k-1)^2}. i < j ∏ ∣ t i − t j ∣ 2 ≤ k k 2 − 2 ( k − 1 ) 2 .
Proof. Let T j ( cos θ ) = cos ( j θ ) T_j(\cos\theta)=\cos(j\theta) T j ( cos θ ) = cos ( j θ ) be the Chebyshev polynomial. For j ≥ 1 j\ge1 j ≥ 1 , the polynomial q j ( t ) = 2 1 − 2 j T j ( 2 t − 1 ) q_j(t)=2^{1-2j}T_j(2t-1) q j ( t ) = 2 1 − 2 j T j ( 2 t − 1 ) is monic and has absolute value at most 2 1 − 2 j 2^{1-2j} 2 1 − 2 j on [ 0 , 1 ] [0,1] [ 0 , 1 ] ; put q 0 = 1 q_0=1 q 0 = 1 . The determinant of ( q j − 1 ( t i ) ) i , j = 1 k (q_{j-1}(t_i))_{i,j=1}^k ( q j − 1 ( t i ) ) i , j = 1 k is the Vandermonde determinant. Hadamard’s inequality bounds its absolute value by
k k / 2 ∏ j = 1 k − 1 2 1 − 2 j = k k / 2 2 − ( k − 1 ) 2 . k^{k/2}\prod_{j=1}^{k-1}2^{1-2j}=k^{k/2}2^{-(k-1)^2}. k k /2 j = 1 ∏ k − 1 2 1 − 2 j = k k /2 2 − ( k − 1 ) 2 .
Squaring proves the assertion. □
We combine the derivative bound with this Vandermonde estimate. The values of an integral factor at the two endpoints also bound its leading coefficient from below. The next lemma records both contributions and separates the prime 2. We keep track of the powers of 2 introduced by x = 2 X + 1 x=2X+1 x = 2 X + 1 , since their cancellation determines the strength of the bound for the odd part of the resultant.
Lemma 2.6. Let h ∈ Z [ 1 / 2 ] [ x ] h\in\mathbb{Z}[1/2][x] h ∈ Z [ 1/2 ] [ x ] have degree N N N , positive leading coefficient, and distinct nonzero roots in ( − 1 , 1 ) (-1,1) ( − 1 , 1 ) . Suppose b h = h ( 1 ) b_h=h(1) b h = h ( 1 ) is a positive integer and ∣ h ′ ( α ) ∣ > γ > 0 |h'(\alpha)|>\gamma>0 ∣ h ′ ( α ) ∣ > γ > 0 at every root. Assume that the projective row sums for h ( 2 X + 1 ) h(2X+1) h ( 2 X + 1 ) at 2 are at most D 2 D_2 D 2 . Choose κ > 0 \kappa>0 κ > 0 so that H = κ h H=\kappa h H = κh is primitive integral, and suppose
H = F G , 1 ≤ d = deg F ≤ e = deg G , d + e = N , H=FG,\qquad1\le d=\deg F\le e=\deg G,\qquad d+e=N, H = F G , 1 ≤ d = deg F ≤ e = deg G , d + e = N , with F , G ∈ Z [ x ] F,G\in\mathbb{Z}[x] F , G ∈ Z [ x ] primitive and with positive leading coefficients. Put
R = Res ( F , G ) , R = ∣ R ∣ 2 v 2 ( R ) , u = lc F , c F = min j v 2 ( [ X j ] F ( 2 X + 1 ) ) , R=\operatorname{Res}(F,G),\qquad\mathcal{R}=\frac{|R|}{2^{v_2(R)}},\qquad u=\operatorname{lc} F,\qquad c_F=\min_j v_2([X^j]F(2X+1)), R = Res ( F , G ) , R = 2 v 2 ( R ) ∣ R ∣ , u = lc F , c F = j min v 2 ([ X j ] F ( 2 X + 1 )) , and V F = ∏ i < j ( α i − α j ) 2 V_F=\prod_{i<j}(\alpha_i-\alpha_j)^2 V F = ∏ i < j ( α i − α j ) 2 for the roots of F F F . Then u > 2 c F u>2^{c_F} u > 2 c F and
log R d > e log 2 − log V F d + log γ b h − D 2 log 2 + e − d d log u 2 c F . (19) \frac{\log\mathcal{R}}{d}>e\log2-\frac{\log V_F}{d}+\log\frac{\gamma}{b_h}-D_2\log2+\frac{e-d}{d}\log\frac{u}{2^{c_F}}. \tag*{(19)} d log R > e log 2 − d log V F + log b h γ − D 2 log 2 + d e − d log 2 c F u . (19) In particular,
log R d > ( N − 3 ) log 2 − log d + log γ b h − D 2 log 2. (20) \frac{\log\mathcal{R}}{d}>(N-3)\log2-\log d+\log\frac{\gamma}{b_h}-D_2\log2. \tag*{(20)} d log R > ( N − 3 ) log 2 − log d + log b h γ − D 2 log 2. (20)
Proof. The derivative and resultant formulas give
∣ R ∣ = u e − d V F ∏ F ( α ) = 0 ∣ H ′ ( α ) ∣ > u e − d V F ( κ γ ) d . |R|=\frac{u^{e-d}}{V_F}\prod_{F(\alpha)=0}|H'(\alpha)|>\frac{u^{e-d}}{V_F}(\kappa\gamma)^d. ∣ R ∣ = V F u e − d F ( α ) = 0 ∏ ∣ H ′ ( α ) ∣ > V F u e − d ( κγ ) d .
Define c G c_G c G as for c F c_F c F . The affine resultant formula and the normalized row bound give
v 2 ( R ) ≤ e c F + d c G − d e + d D 2 . v_2(R)\le ec_F+dc_G-de+dD_2. v 2 ( R ) ≤ e c F + d c G − d e + d D 2 .
Both F ( 1 ) F(1) F ( 1 ) and F ( − 1 ) F(-1) F ( − 1 ) are nonzero integers divisible by 2 c F 2^{c_F} 2 c F . Therefore
u 2 = ∣ F ( 1 ) F ( − 1 ) ∣ ∏ i ( 1 − α i 2 ) > 2 2 c F . u^2=\frac{|F(1)F(-1)|}{\prod_i(1-\alpha_i^2)}>2^{2c_F}. u 2 = ∏ i ( 1 − α i 2 ) ∣ F ( 1 ) F ( − 1 ) ∣ > 2 2 c F .
After subtracting the binary estimate, the first two displays yield the right side of (19) , with − log b h -\log b_h − log b h replaced by log κ − ( c F + c G ) log 2 \log\kappa-(c_F+c_G)\log2 log κ − ( c F + c G ) log 2 . Write κ = 2 k / c \kappa=2^k/c κ = 2 k / c , with c c c positive and odd. Since h ∈ Z [ 1 / 2 ] [ x ] h\in\mathbb{Z}[1/2][x] h ∈ Z [ 1/2 ] [ x ] and H H H is primitive, c c c divides the odd part of b h b_h b h . If t 2 t_2 t 2 is the minimum binary coefficient valuation of h ( 2 X + 1 ) h(2X+1) h ( 2 X + 1 ) , Gauss multiplicativity gives c F + c G = k + t 2 c_F+c_G=k+t_2 c F + c G = k + t 2 , whereas t 2 ≤ v 2 ( b h ) t_2\le v_2(b_h) t 2 ≤ v 2 ( b h ) . Thus
log κ − ( c F + c G ) log 2 = − log c − t 2 log 2 ≥ − log b h . \log\kappa-(c_F+c_G)\log2=-\log c-t_2\log2\ge-\log b_h. log κ − ( c F + c G ) log 2 = − log c − t 2 log 2 ≥ − log b h .
This proves (19) .
Finally, rescaling Lemma 2.5 from [ 0 , 1 ] [0,1] [ 0 , 1 ] to [ − 1 , 1 ] [-1,1] [ − 1 , 1 ] gives
V F ≤ d d 2 − ( d − 1 ) ( d − 2 ) , − log V F d ≥ ( d − 3 ) log 2 − log d . V_F \le d^{d 2^{-(d-1)(d-2)}}, \qquad-\frac{\log V_F}{d} \ge(d-3)\log2-\log d. V F ≤ d d 2 − ( d − 1 ) ( d − 2 ) , − d log V F ≥ ( d − 3 ) log 2 − log d .
The same inequality holds for d = 1 d=1 d = 1 . Dropping the nonnegative last term in (19) proves (20) . □
A bound for the prime powers
The local moment bound contains ⌊ log p S ⌋ \lfloor\log_p S\rfloor ⌊ log p S ⌋ . After summing over primes, these terms are naturally expressed through least common multiples. The following observation groups the higher prime powers into a single smaller interval. For an integer B ≥ 1 B\ge1 B ≥ 1 and a real number S ≥ 1 S\ge1 S ≥ 1 , write
Ψ B ( S ) = ∑ p ≤ B ⌊ log p S ⌋ log p . \Psi_B(S)=\sum_{p\le B}\lfloor\log_p S\rfloor\log p. Ψ B ( S ) = p ≤ B ∑ ⌊ log p S ⌋ log p .
Lemma 2.7. If B ≥ 9 B\ge9 B ≥ 9 and S ≤ 5 B S\le5B S ≤ 5 B , then
Ψ B ( S ) ≤ log lcm ( 1 , … , B ) + log lcm ( 1 , … , ⌊ S ⌋ ) < ( B + S ) log 3. (21) \Psi_B(S)\le\log\operatorname{lcm}(1,\ldots,B)+\log\operatorname{lcm}(1,\ldots,\lfloor\sqrt{S}\rfloor)<(B+\sqrt{S})\log3. \tag*{(21)} Ψ B ( S ) ≤ log lcm ( 1 , … , B ) + log lcm ( 1 , … , ⌊ S ⌋) < ( B + S ) log 3. (21)
Proof. For p ≤ B p\le B p ≤ B , let l = ⌊ log p B ⌋ l=\lfloor\log_p B\rfloor l = ⌊ log p B ⌋ and k = ⌊ log p S ⌋ k=\lfloor\log_p S\rfloor k = ⌊ log p S ⌋ . Since B ≥ 9 B\ge9 B ≥ 9 , one has p l ≥ 5 p^l\ge5 p l ≥ 5 , including p = 2 , 3 p=2,3 p = 2 , 3 . Hence
S ≤ 5 B < 5 p l + 1 ≤ p 2 l + 1 , S\le5B<5p^{l+1}\le p^{2l+1}, S ≤ 5 B < 5 p l + 1 ≤ p 2 l + 1 ,
so k ≤ 2 l k\le2l k ≤ 2 l and k ≤ l + ⌊ k / 2 ⌋ = l + ⌊ log p S ⌋ k\le l+\lfloor k/2\rfloor=l+\lfloor\log_p\sqrt{S}\rfloor k ≤ l + ⌊ k /2 ⌋ = l + ⌊ log p S ⌋ . Multiplying these primewise inequalities proves the first bound. The second follows from Hanson’s estimate lcm ( 1 , … , t ) < 3 t \operatorname{lcm}(1,\ldots,t)<3^t lcm ( 1 , … , t ) < 3 t for integers t ≥ 1 t\ge1 t ≥ 1 [16 ] . □
Integral parameters and derivatives
The local bounds of Section 2 involve primes up to 2 n + O ( 1 ) 2n+O(1) 2 n + O ( 1 ) when the parameters are fixed. Summing over all these primes gives an upper bound too large for the real estimate to contradict. We must therefore show that most primes above the half-degree m = ⌊ n / 2 ⌋ m=\lfloor n/2\rfloor m = ⌊ n /2 ⌋ do not divide a factor resultant.
For unequal integral parameters, the exceptional primes above m + O a , b ( 1 ) m+O_{a,b}(1) m + O a , b ( 1 ) divide values of fixed polynomials. Their total logarithmic contribution is only O a , b ( log n ) O_{a,b}(\log n) O a , b ( log n ) . For equal parameters, in the range of the criterion below, parity excludes every odd prime above m m m . In that case, retaining the exact valuations of a factorial ratio also allows the parameter to grow with the degree. These two arguments prove the irreducibility assertions of Theorems 1.3 and 1.4 , respectively.
Unequal parameters
By reflection, P n ( b , a ) ( − x ) = ( − 1 ) n P n ( a , b ) ( x ) P_n^{(b,a)}(-x)=(-1)^nP_n^{(a,b)}(x) P n ( b , a ) ( − x ) = ( − 1 ) n P n ( a , b ) ( x ) , we may suppose a > b ≥ 0 a>b\ge0 a > b ≥ 0 . Write q = a − b q=a-b q = a − b , s = a + b s=a+b s = a + b and n = 2 m + δ n=2m+\delta n = 2 m + δ , where δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } , and put b m = 4 − m ( 2 m m ) b_m=4^{-m}\binom{2m}{m} b m = 4 − m ( m 2 m ) . The value at zero supplies the main arithmetic input. For each parity, Lemma 3.2 will express it as ( − 1 ) m b m (-1)^m b_m ( − 1 ) m b m times a rational function A δ ( m ) / D δ ( m ) A_\delta(m)/D_\delta(m) A δ ( m ) / D δ ( m ) whose numerator and denominator have degrees depending only on a , b a,b a , b . The numerator identifies the additional large primes that must be retained in the resultant estimate, while the denominator enters the real lower bound. Both therefore cost only O a , b ( log n ) O_{a,b}(\log n) O a , b ( log n ) in the final comparison, away from the finitely many zeros of the numerator. The following formulas make this dependence explicit:
H δ = ⌊ q − δ 2 ⌋ , K δ = b + δ + H δ , (22) H_\delta=\left\lfloor\frac{q-\delta}{2}\right\rfloor,\qquad K_\delta=b+\delta+H_\delta, \tag*{(22)} H δ = ⌊ 2 q − δ ⌋ , K δ = b + δ + H δ , (22)
D δ ( z ) = 2 δ ∏ j = 1 K δ ( z + j ) , (23) D_\delta(z)=2^\delta\prod_{j=1}^{K_\delta}(z+j), \tag*{(23)} D δ ( z ) = 2 δ j = 1 ∏ K δ ( z + j ) , (23)
A δ ( z ) = ( ∏ j = 1 b + δ ( 2 z + j ) ) ∑ h = 0 H δ ( − 1 ) h ( q δ + 2 h ) z − h − ∏ j = b + δ + h + 1 K δ ( z + j ) . (24) A_\delta(z)=\left(\prod_{j=1}^{b+\delta}(2z+j)\right)\sum_{h=0}^{H_\delta}(-1)^h\binom{q}{\delta+2h}z^{-h}-\prod_{j=b+\delta+h+1}^{K_\delta}(z+j). \tag*{(24)} A δ ( z ) = ( j = 1 ∏ b + δ ( 2 z + j ) ) h = 0 ∑ H δ ( − 1 ) h ( δ + 2 h q ) z − h − j = b + δ + h + 1 ∏ K δ ( z + j ) . (24)
where z h = z ( z − 1 ) ⋯ ( z − h + 1 ) z^h = z(z-1)\cdots(z-h+1) z h = z ( z − 1 ) ⋯ ( z − h + 1 ) and z 0 = 1 z^0=1 z 0 = 1 . The polynomials A δ , D δ A_\delta,D_\delta A δ , D δ have integer coefficients and degree at most K δ K_\delta K δ , and A δ ( 0 ) > 0 A_\delta(0)>0 A δ ( 0 ) > 0 . Recall from § 2 that
B = ( n + a a ) , S = 2 n + s + 1 , T = ∏ j = 1 s ( n + j ) . B=\binom{n+a}{a},\qquad S=2n+s+1,\qquad T=\prod_{j=1}^{s}(n+j). B = ( a n + a ) , S = 2 n + s + 1 , T = j = 1 ∏ s ( n + j ) .
Put
M = m + s + 2 , c a , b = ( a + b + 1 ) a + b + 1 ( 2 a + 1 ) a + 1 / 2 ( 2 b + 1 ) b + 1 / 2 . (25) M=m+s+2,\qquad c_{a,b}=\frac{(a+b+1)^{a+b+1}}{(2a+1)^{a+1/2}(2b+1)^{b+1/2}}. \tag*{(25)} M = m + s + 2 , c a , b = ( 2 a + 1 ) a + 1/2 ( 2 b + 1 ) b + 1/2 ( a + b + 1 ) a + b + 1 . (25)
Theorem 3.1. Suppose m ≥ 2 s + 10 m\geq2s+10 m ≥ 2 s + 10 and A δ ( m ) ≠ 0 A_\delta(m)\ne0 A δ ( m ) = 0 . If
n log 2 > ( M + S ) log 3 + 3 log T + log ∣ A δ ( m ) ∣ n\log2>(M+\sqrt{S})\log3+3\log T+\log\lvert A_\delta(m)\rvert n log 2 > ( M + S ) log 3 + 3 log T + log ∣ A δ ( m )∣ + log ( 8 ( m + 1 ) S B D δ ( m ) c a , b m ) , (26) +\log\left(\frac{8(m+1)SBD_\delta(m)}{c_{a,b}\sqrt{m}}\right), \tag*{(26)} + log ( c a , b m 8 ( m + 1 ) S B D δ ( m ) ) , (26) then P n ( a , b ) P_n^{(a,b)} P n ( a , b ) is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q .
For fixed a , b a,b a , b , the right side is ( n / 2 ) log 3 + O a , b ( n ) (n/2)\log3+O_{a,b}(\sqrt{n}) ( n /2 ) log 3 + O a , b ( n ) , while the left side is n log 2 n\log2 n log 2 . The positive difference log 2 − 1 2 log 3 \log2-\frac{1}{2}\log3 log 2 − 2 1 log 3 proves eventual irreducibility once the exceptional primes have been controlled.
Central values and reduction
We first prove the central-value formula. Its exact numerator is needed to determine the exceptional primes; a lower bound for its absolute value will also give a lower bound for derivatives at roots.
Lemma 3.2. For m ≥ 0 m\geq0 m ≥ 0 ,
P 2 m + δ ( a , b ) ( 0 ) = ( − 1 ) m b m A δ ( m ) D δ ( m ) . (27) P_{2m+\delta}^{(a,b)}(0)=(-1)^m b_m\frac{A_\delta(m)}{D_\delta(m)}. \tag*{(27)} P 2 m + δ ( a , b ) ( 0 ) = ( − 1 ) m b m D δ ( m ) A δ ( m ) . (27) If m ≥ 1 m\geq1 m ≥ 1 and A δ ( m ) ≠ 0 A_\delta(m)\ne0 A δ ( m ) = 0 , then
∣ P 2 m + δ ( a , b ) ( 0 ) ∣ ≥ 1 2 m D δ ( m ) . \left|P_{2m+\delta}^{(a,b)}(0)\right|\geq\frac{1}{2\sqrt{m}D_\delta(m)}. P 2 m + δ ( a , b ) ( 0 ) ≥ 2 m D δ ( m ) 1 . In particular, each parity has only finitely many zero central values.
Proof. Rodrigues’ formula [26 (4.3.1)] gives
P n ( a , b ) ( 0 ) = ( − 1 ) n 2 − n [ t n ] ( 1 − t ) n + a ( 1 + t ) n + b . P_n^{(a,b)}(0)=(-1)^n2^{-n}[t^n](1-t)^{n+a}(1+t)^{n+b}. P n ( a , b ) ( 0 ) = ( − 1 ) n 2 − n [ t n ] ( 1 − t ) n + a ( 1 + t ) n + b .
Expanding ( 1 − t ) q ( 1 − t 2 ) n + b (1-t)^q(1-t^2)^{n+b} ( 1 − t ) q ( 1 − t 2 ) n + b yields
P n ( a , b ) ( 0 ) = ( − 1 ) m 2 − 2 m − δ ∑ h = 0 H δ ( − 1 ) h ( q δ + 2 h ) ( 2 m + δ + b m − h ) . P_n^{(a,b)}(0)=(-1)^m2^{-2m-\delta}\sum_{h=0}^{H_\delta}(-1)^h\binom{q}{\delta+2h}\binom{2m+\delta+b}{m-h}. P n ( a , b ) ( 0 ) = ( − 1 ) m 2 − 2 m − δ h = 0 ∑ H δ ( − 1 ) h ( δ + 2 h q ) ( m − h 2 m + δ + b ) .
The identity
( 2 m + δ + b m − h ) ( 2 m m ) = ∏ j = 1 b + δ ( 2 m + j ) m h ∏ j = 1 b + δ + h ( m + j ) \frac{\binom{2m+\delta+b}{m-h}}{\binom{2m}{m}}=
\frac{\prod_{j=1}^{b+\delta}(2m+j)m^h}{\prod_{j=1}^{b+\delta+h}(m+j)} ( m 2 m ) ( m − h 2 m + δ + b ) = ∏ j = 1 b + δ + h ( m + j ) ∏ j = 1 b + δ ( 2 m + j ) m h
proves (27) . It also holds for h > m h>m h > m , with both sides zero. At m = 0 m=0 m = 0 , the summands with h > 0 h>0 h > 0 vanish and the remaining summand is positive, so A δ A_\delta A δ is nonzero. Finally, ∣ A δ ( m ) ∣ ≥ 1 \lvert A_\delta(m)\rvert\geq1 ∣ A δ ( m )∣ ≥ 1 when nonzero, and b m ≥ 1 / ( 2 m ) b_m\geq1/(2\sqrt{m}) b m ≥ 1/ ( 2 m ) for m ≥ 1 m\geq1 m ≥ 1 . The latter inequality follows by induction from b 1 = 1 / 2 b_1=1/2 b 1 = 1/2 and b m + 1 / b m = ( 2 m + 1 ) / ( 2 m + 2 ) b_{m+1}/b_m=(2m+1)/(2m+2) b m + 1 / b m = ( 2 m + 1 ) / ( 2 m + 2 ) . □
:::
For example, when ( a , b ) = ( 1 , 0 ) (a,b)=(1,0) ( a , b ) = ( 1 , 0 ) the formulas reduce to
A 0 ( z ) = D 0 ( z ) = 1 , A 1 ( z ) = 2 z + 1 , D 1 ( z ) = 2 ( z + 1 ) . A_0(z)=D_0(z)=1,\qquad A_1(z)=2z+1,\qquad D_1(z)=2(z+1). A 0 ( z ) = D 0 ( z ) = 1 , A 1 ( z ) = 2 z + 1 , D 1 ( z ) = 2 ( z + 1 ) .
Thus the central value never vanishes in either parity in this case.
The next lemma controls roots whose reduction is nonzero. For an odd prime p p p , a bar denotes coefficientwise reduction modulo p p p , and roots of reduced polynomials are taken in an algebraic closure of F p \mathbb{F}_p F p .
Lemma 3.3. Suppose m ≥ 2 s + 10 m\ge2s+10 m ≥ 2 s + 10 , and let p > M p>M p > M be an odd prime with p ∤ T p\nmid T p ∤ T . Write n = ϵ p + j n=\epsilon p+j n = ϵ p + j , with ϵ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \epsilon\in\{0,1\} ϵ ∈ { 0 , 1 } and 0 ≤ j < p 0\le j<p 0 ≤ j < p . Then j + s < p j+s<p j + s < p and
P n ( a , b ) ‾ = x ϵ p P j ( a , b ) ‾ . \overline{P_n^{(a,b)}}=x^{\epsilon p}\overline{P_j^{(a,b)}}. P n ( a , b ) = x ϵ p P j ( a , b ) . Every nonzero root of this reduction is simple, and the values at 1 1 1 and − 1 -1 − 1 are nonzero.
Proof. We have n + s < 2 p n+s<2p n + s < 2 p . If j + s ≥ p j+s\ge p j + s ≥ p , a multiple of p p p would occur between n + 1 n+1 n + 1 and n + s n+s n + s , contradicting p ∤ T p\nmid T p ∤ T . For ϵ = 0 \epsilon=0 ϵ = 0 the congruence is immediate. For ϵ = 1 \epsilon=1 ϵ = 1 , Lucas’s binomial congruence applied to (1) leaves only the ranges 0 ≤ k ≤ j 0\le k\le j 0 ≤ k ≤ j and p ≤ k ≤ p + j p\le k\le p+j p ≤ k ≤ p + j . Indeed, an intermediate surviving term would require both k ≥ p − a k\ge p-a k ≥ p − a and k ≤ j + b k\le j+b k ≤ j + b , contrary to j + s < p j+s<p j + s < p . The two ranges sum to
2 − p { ( x + 1 ) p + ( x − 1 ) p } P j ( a , b ) ‾ = x p P j ( a , b ) ‾ . 2^{-p}\{(x+1)^p+(x-1)^p\}\overline{P_j^{(a,b)}}=x^p\overline{P_j^{(a,b)}}. 2 − p {( x + 1 ) p + ( x − 1 ) p } P j ( a , b ) = x p P j ( a , b ) .
The endpoint values of P j ( a , b ) P_j^{(a,b)} P j ( a , b ) are the units ( j + a a ) \binom{j+a}{a} ( a j + a ) and ( − 1 ) j ( j + b b ) (-1)^j\binom{j+b}{b} ( − 1 ) j ( b j + b ) . Its reduction has degree less than p p p and satisfies
( 1 − x 2 ) y ′ ′ + { b − a − ( a + b + 2 ) x } y ′ + j ( j + s + 1 ) y = 0. (28) (1-x^2)y''+\{b-a-(a+b+2)x\}y'+j(j+s+1)y=0. \tag*{(28)} ( 1 − x 2 ) y ′′ + { b − a − ( a + b + 2 ) x } y ′ + j ( j + s + 1 ) y = 0. (28)
A root away from the endpoints with multiplicity t ≥ 2 t\ge2 t ≥ 2 would produce a nonzero lowest-order term proportional to t ( t − 1 ) t(t-1) t ( t − 1 ) , because t < p t<p t < p . Thus every such root is simple. Multiplication by x p x^p x p can introduce a multiple root only at zero. □
Comparison and effectivity.
Proof of Theorem 3.1. Put f = P n ( a , b ) f=P_n^{(a,b)} f = P n ( a , b ) . Suppose H = κ f = F G H=\kappa f=FG H = κ f = F G is a primitive integral factorization, with positive leading coefficients and 1 ≤ d = deg F ≤ e = deg G 1\le d=\deg F\le e=\deg G 1 ≤ d = deg F ≤ e = deg G . Write R = Res ( F , G ) R=\operatorname{Res}(F,G) R = Res ( F , G ) and R = ∣ R ∣ / 2 v 2 ( R ) \mathcal{R}=|R|/2^{v_2(R)} R = ∣ R ∣/ 2 v 2 ( R ) .
We first estimate the odd part from above. For odd p p p , the substitution x = 2 X + 1 x=2X+1 x = 2 X + 1 preserves the Gauss norm and resultant valuation, so Lemma 2.4 gives v p ( R ) ≤ d ( L p + v p ( T ) ) v_p(R)\le d(L_p+v_p(T)) v p ( R ) ≤ d ( L p + v p ( T )) . Moreover,
p > M , p ∤ T A δ ( m ) ⟹ v p ( R ) = 0. (29) p>M,\quad p\nmid TA_\delta(m)\quad\Longrightarrow\quad v_p(R)=0. \tag*{(29)} p > M , p ∤ T A δ ( m ) ⟹ v p ( R ) = 0. (29)
To see this, f ( 1 ) = B f(1)=B f ( 1 ) = B is a unit and f f f is integral at p p p , so κ \kappa κ is a unit. Lemma 3.3 makes every unit root simple modulo p p p . Since p 2 > 2 n + s p^2>2n+s p 2 > 2 n + s , the leading coefficient 2 − n ( 2 n + s n ) 2^{-n}\binom{2n+s}{n} 2 − n ( n 2 n + s ) has valuation 0 or 1. Formula (3.6) gives the same alternatives for f ( 0 ) f(0) f ( 0 ) , because p > m + K δ p>m+K_\delta p > m + K δ and p ∤ A δ ( m ) p\nmid A_\delta(m) p ∤ A δ ( m ) .
For a polynomial U U U of Gauss norm 1 with nonzero constant term, Gauss multiplicativity gives
v p ( U ( 0 ) ) = ∑ α max { v p ( α ) , 0 } , v p ( lc U ) = − ∑ α min { v p ( α ) , 0 } . (30) v_p(U(0))=\sum_\alpha\max\{v_p(\alpha),0\},\qquad
v_p(\operatorname{lc}U)=-\sum_\alpha\min\{v_p(\alpha),0\}. \tag*{(30)} v p ( U ( 0 )) = α ∑ max { v p ( α ) , 0 } , v p ( lc U ) = − α ∑ min { v p ( α ) , 0 } . (30)
For each primitive integral factor, both sums are nonnegative integers. A total of at most 1 therefore cannot be positive in both F F F and G G G . Thus the two factors cannot both have a root reducing to zero, and they cannot both have a root reducing to infinity. Every other residue class contains at most one root of f f f . Every cross projective distance vanishes, proving (29) .
The terms v p ( T ) v_p(T) v p ( T ) contribute at most log T \log T log T after division by d d d . For p ≤ M p\le M p ≤ M , Lemma 2.7 bounds the remaining contribution by ( M + S ) log 3 (M+\sqrt{S})\log3 ( M + S ) log 3 . For p > M p>M p > M we have p 2 > S p^2>S p 2 > S , and a surviving prime divides T A δ ( m ) TA_\delta(m) T A δ ( m ) . Hence
log R d < ( M + S ) log 3 + 2 log T + log ∣ A δ ( m ) ∣ . (31) \frac{\log\mathcal{R}}{d}<(M+\sqrt{S})\log3+2\log T+\log|A_\delta(m)|. \tag*{(31)} d log R < ( M + S ) log 3 + 2 log T + log ∣ A δ ( m ) ∣. (31)
We now need a lower bound for ∣ f ′ ( α ) ∣ |f'(\alpha)| ∣ f ′ ( α ) ∣ at every root α \alpha α of f f f . The central-value formula gives information at one point; the differential equation extends it to the whole interval. Set λ = n ( n + s + 1 ) \lambda=n(n+s+1) λ = n ( n + s + 1 ) and define the energy
E ( x ) = ( 1 − x 2 ) f ′ ( x ) 2 + λ f ( x ) 2 . E(x)=(1-x^2)f'(x)^2+\lambda f(x)^2. E ( x ) = ( 1 − x 2 ) f ′ ( x ) 2 + λ f ( x ) 2 .
At a root α \alpha α , this is ( 1 − α 2 ) f ′ ( α ) 2 (1-\alpha^2)f'(\alpha)^2 ( 1 − α 2 ) f ′ ( α ) 2 , so a positive lower bound for E E E gives the required derivative bound. The differential equation gives
E ′ ( x ) = 2 { q + ( s + 1 ) x } f ′ ( x ) 2 . E'(x)=2\{q+(s+1)x\}f'(x)^2. E ′ ( x ) = 2 { q + ( s + 1 ) x } f ′ ( x ) 2 .
The minimum on [ − 1 , 1 ] [-1,1] [ − 1 , 1 ] occurs at x 0 = − q / ( s + 1 ) x_0=-q/(s+1) x 0 = − q / ( s + 1 ) . On [ x 0 , 0 ] [x_0,0] [ x 0 , 0 ] ,
0 ≤ E ′ ( x ) E ( x ) ≤ 2 { q + ( s + 1 ) x } 1 − x 2 . 0\leq\frac{E'(x)}{E(x)}\leq\frac{2\{q+(s+1)x\}}{1-x^2}. 0 ≤ E ( x ) E ′ ( x ) ≤ 1 − x 2 2 { q + ( s + 1 ) x } .
The integral of the last expression shows that E ( x 0 ) ≥ c a , b E ( 0 ) \sqrt{E(x_0)}\geq c_{a,b}\sqrt{E(0)} E ( x 0 ) ≥ c a , b E ( 0 ) , with the explicit constant in (25) . Lemma 3.2 yields
E ( x 0 ) ≥ c a , b λ ∣ f ( 0 ) ∣ ≥ c a , b m D δ ( m ) = : γ . \sqrt{E(x_0)}\geq c_{a,b}\sqrt{\lambda}\,|f(0)|\geq\frac{c_{a,b}\sqrt{m}}{D_\delta(m)}=:\gamma. E ( x 0 ) ≥ c a , b λ ∣ f ( 0 ) ∣ ≥ D δ ( m ) c a , b m =: γ .
At every root α \alpha α , α ≠ 0 \alpha\ne0 α = 0 and ∣ f ′ ( α ) ∣ > γ |f'(\alpha)|>\gamma ∣ f ′ ( α ) ∣ > γ . Apply Lemma 2.6 with b h = B b_h=B b h = B and D 2 = D 2 D_2=\mathcal{D}_2 D 2 = D 2 . Since d ≤ m + 1 d\leq m+1 d ≤ m + 1 and D 2 log 2 ≤ log S + log T \mathcal{D}_2\log2\leq\log S+\log T D 2 log 2 ≤ log S + log T , it gives
log R d > n log 2 − log T − log ( 8 ( m + 1 ) S B D δ ( m ) c a , b m ) . (32) \frac{\log\mathcal{R}}{d}>n\log2-\log T-\log\left(\frac{8(m+1)SBD_\delta(m)}{c_{a,b}\sqrt{m}}\right). \tag*{(32)} d log R > n log 2 − log T − log ( c a , b m 8 ( m + 1 ) S B D δ ( m ) ) . (32)
The two bounds contradict (26) . □
Irreducibility in Theorem 1.3 . Fix a > b a>b a > b . A polynomial root bound gives an effective point beyond which neither A 0 ( m ) A_0(m) A 0 ( m ) nor A 1 ( m ) A_1(m) A 1 ( m ) vanishes. Their coefficients give explicit constants such that
∣ A δ ( m ) ∣ ≤ C ( m + 1 ) K δ , D δ ( m ) ≤ 2 ( m + K δ ) K δ , T ≤ ( n + s ) a , B ≤ ( n + a ) a . |A_\delta(m)|\leq C(m+1)^{K_\delta},\qquad D_\delta(m)\leq2(m+K_\delta)^{K_\delta},\qquad T\leq(n+s)^a,\qquad B\leq(n+a)^a. ∣ A δ ( m ) ∣ ≤ C ( m + 1 ) K δ , D δ ( m ) ≤ 2 ( m + K δ ) K δ , T ≤ ( n + s ) a , B ≤ ( n + a ) a .
For sufficiently large m m m , the difference between the left and right sides of (26) is at least
m log ( 4 / 3 ) − C 1 m − C 2 log ( m + 1 ) − C 3 , m\log(4/3)-C_1\sqrt{m}-C_2\log(m+1)-C_3, m log ( 4/3 ) − C 1 m − C 2 log ( m + 1 ) − C 3 ,
with effective nonnegative constants depending on a , b a,b a , b . After division by m m m , every error term decreases to zero. Successive integer doubling therefore gives an effective bound valid for all subsequent m m m . The constants and logarithms can be bounded by rational interval estimates; take the larger bound for the two parities. Reflection treats b > a b>a b > a . □
Symmetric parameters
Equal parameters give an additional restriction on the reductions. At an odd prime, parity pairs every nonzero root with its distinct negative. A multiple root away from the central point and the endpoints must therefore occur in an opposite pair. The differential equation forces these multiplicities to be large, and the degree then excludes them at the primes under consideration. This is what removes the exceptional large primes present in the unequal-parameter argument.
Let r , m r,m r , m be integers with r ≥ 0 r\geq0 r ≥ 0 , m ≥ 1 m\geq1 m ≥ 1 , and put n = 2 m + δ n=2m+\delta n = 2 m + δ for δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } . We use the derivative normalization from (2) :
f ( x ) = P n + r ( r ) ( x ) = ( 2 r − 1 ) ! ! C n r + 1 / 2 ( x ) . f(x)=P_{n+r}^{(r)}(x)=(2r-1)!!\,C_n^{r+1/2}(x). f ( x ) = P n + r ( r ) ( x ) = ( 2 r − 1 )!! C n r + 1/2 ( x ) .
Set
S = 2 n + 2 r + 1 , M = m + r , A = ( n + r ) ! 2 n ! ( n + 2 r ) ! , K = ( m + r r ) , B = ( n + r r ) , (33) S=2n+2r+1,\qquad M=m+r,\qquad A=\frac{(n+r)!^2}{n!(n+2r)!},\qquad K=\binom{m+r}{r},\qquad B=\binom{n+r}{r}, \tag*{(33)} S = 2 n + 2 r + 1 , M = m + r , A = n ! ( n + 2 r )! ( n + r ) ! 2 , K = ( r m + r ) , B = ( r n + r ) , (33)
and put A ≤ m = ∏ p ≤ m p v p ( A ) A_{\leq m}=\prod_{p\leq m}p^{v_p(A)} A ≤ m = ∏ p ≤ m p v p ( A ) . We retain the sign of every exponent v p ( A ) v_p(A) v p ( A ) : cancellation between the numerator and denominator will determine the uniform range in r r r . Although A ≤ 1 A\leq1 A ≤ 1 , the truncated product A ≤ m A_{\le m} A ≤ m need not be at most 1. For example, r = 1 r=1 r = 1 , m = 4 m=4 m = 4 , and δ = 0 \delta=0 δ = 0 give A = 9 / 10 A=9/10 A = 9/10 but A ≤ m = 9 / 2 A_{\le m}=9/2 A ≤ m = 9/2 .
The exact criterion.
Theorem 3.4. Suppose m ≥ max { 2 r , 4 } m \ge\max\{2r,4\} m ≥ max { 2 r , 4 } . If
m log 4 > Ψ m ( S ) + log ( 8 m ) + log K + log A ≤ m , (34) m\log4 > \Psi_m(S) + \log(8\sqrt{m}) + \log K + \log A_{\le m}, \tag*{(34)} m log 4 > Ψ m ( S ) + log ( 8 m ) + log K + log A ≤ m , (34) then C 2 m + δ r + 1 / 2 ( x ) / x δ C_{2m+\delta}^{r+1/2}(x)/x^\delta C 2 m + δ r + 1/2 ( x ) / x δ is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q . When also M ≥ 9 M \ge9 M ≥ 9 , the following elementary condition is sufficient:
m log 4 > ( M + S ) log 3 + log ( 8 m ) + log K + 2 log B − log ( 2 r r ) . (35) m\log4 > (M+\sqrt{S})\log3 + \log(8\sqrt{m}) + \log K + 2\log B - \log\binom{2r}{r}. \tag*{(35)} m log 4 > ( M + S ) log 3 + log ( 8 m ) + log K + 2 log B − log ( r 2 r ) . (35)
Proof. Apply Lemma 2.4 to Q ( X ) = B − 1 P n ( r , r ) ( 2 X + 1 ) Q(X)=B^{-1}P_n^{(r,r)}(2X+1) Q ( X ) = B − 1 P n ( r , r ) ( 2 X + 1 ) . It gives the row bound
D p = L p + v p ( A ) , L p = ⌊ log p S ⌋ . (36) D_p=L_p+v_p(A), \qquad L_p=\lfloor\log_p S\rfloor. \tag*{(36)} D p = L p + v p ( A ) , L p = ⌊ log p S ⌋ . (36)
This number is nonnegative, since it bounds a nonnegative row sum. Removing the zero forced by odd parity removes only nonnegative distances, so the same bound holds for h = f / x δ h=f/x^\delta h = f / x δ after the shift. Equivalently, the removed factor 2 X + 1 2X+1 2 X + 1 has Gauss norm 1 at every prime, including 2.
Differentiation of the Legendre coefficient formula gives
f ( x ) = 2 − n − r ∑ k = 0 m ( − 1 ) k ( 2 n + 2 r − 2 k ) ! k ! ( n + r − k ) ! ( n − 2 k ) ! x n − 2 k . (37) f(x)=2^{-n-r}\sum_{k=0}^{m}\frac{(-1)^k(2n+2r-2k)!}{k!(n+r-k)!(n-2k)!}x^{n-2k}. \tag*{(37)} f ( x ) = 2 − n − r k = 0 ∑ m k ! ( n + r − k )! ( n − 2 k )! ( − 1 ) k ( 2 n + 2 r − 2 k )! x n − 2 k . (37)
Its nonzero central coefficient is
[ x δ ] f ( x ) = ( − 1 ) m 2 m m ! ( 2 m + 2 r + 2 δ − 1 ) ! ! . (38) [x^\delta]f(x)=\frac{(-1)^m}{2^m m!}(2m+2r+2\delta-1)!!. \tag*{(38)} [ x δ ] f ( x ) = 2 m m ! ( − 1 ) m ( 2 m + 2 r + 2 δ − 1 )!! . (38)
The other roots are simple and lie in ( − 1 , 1 ) (-1,1) ( − 1 , 1 ) . Choose κ > 0 \kappa>0 κ > 0 so that H = κ h H=\kappa h H = κh is primitive integral, and suppose H = F G H=FG H = F G with 1 ≤ d = deg F ≤ e = deg G 1\le d=\deg F\le e=\deg G 1 ≤ d = deg F ≤ e = deg G , d + e = 2 m d+e=2m d + e = 2 m . As before, put R = Res ( F , G ) R=\operatorname{Res}(F,G) R = Res ( F , G ) and R = ∣ R ∣ / 2 v 2 ( R ) \mathcal{R}=|R|/2^{v_2(R)} R = ∣ R ∣/ 2 v 2 ( R ) .
We claim that
p > m ⟹ v p ( R ) = 0. (39) p>m \quad\Longrightarrow\quad v_p(R)=0. \tag*{(39)} p > m ⟹ v p ( R ) = 0. (39)
Such a prime is odd, exceeds 2 r 2r 2 r , and satisfies p 2 > S p^2>S p 2 > S . The primitive polynomial x δ H = κ f x^\delta H=\kappa f x δ H = κ f has parity n n n and satisfies the Gegenbauer equation. Its nonzero reduction has degree at most n < 2 p n<2p n < 2 p . A multiple root away from 0 , 1 , − 1 0,1,-1 0 , 1 , − 1 would have multiplicity at least p p p , by the lowest-order term of the differential equation. Parity gives the same multiplicity at its distinct negative, forcing degree at least 2 p 2p 2 p . Thus no such multiple root exists.
For the four remaining residue classes 0 , 1 , − 1 , ∞ 0,1,-1,\infty 0 , 1 , − 1 , ∞ , each total root-valuation sum is at most 1. Indeed, before primitive normalization, the central coefficient in (38) has valuation at most 1: its odd numerator factors are smaller than 3 p 3p 3 p , and p > m p>m p > m . The leading coefficient is
lc ( f ) = ( 2 n + 2 r − 1 ) ! ! n ! . \operatorname{lc}(f)=\frac{(2n+2r-1)!!}{n!}. lc ( f ) = n ! ( 2 n + 2 r − 1 )!! .
Its odd numerator factors are smaller than 5 p 5p 5 p . If p ≤ n p\le n p ≤ n , at most p p p and 3 p 3p 3 p occur and n ! n! n ! contributes one p p p ; if p > n p>n p > n , the numerator factors are smaller than 3 p 3p 3 p and n ! n! n ! is a unit. The valuation is at most 1 in either case. Finally,
f ( 1 ) = ( n + 2 r ) ! 2 r r ! n ! = ( n + 2 r 2 r ) ( 2 r − 1 ) ! ! , ∣ f ( − 1 ) ∣ = f ( 1 ) . (40) f(1)=\frac{(n+2r)!}{2^r r!n!}=\binom{n+2r}{2r}(2r-1)!!,\qquad|f(-1)|=f(1). \tag*{(40)} f ( 1 ) = 2 r r ! n ! ( n + 2 r )! = ( 2 r n + 2 r ) ( 2 r − 1 )!! , ∣ f ( − 1 ) ∣ = f ( 1 ) . (40)
The numerator product contains 2 r < p 2r<p 2 r < p consecutive integers, all smaller than p 2 p^2 p 2 , so its valuation is at most 1. Primitive normalization can only decrease these odd-prime valuations. Formula (30) , and its translates at 1 and − 1 -1 − 1 , now applies. Each primitive factor contributes a nonnegative integer to each sum, so no one of the four classes is shared by F F F and G G G . All cross distances vanish. This proves (39) .
The row bound at the remaining odd primes gives
log R d ≤ Ψ m ( S ) + log A ≤ m − D 2 log 2. (41) \frac{\log R}{d} \le\Psi_m(S) + \log A_{\le m} - D_2 \log2. \tag*{(41)} d log R ≤ Ψ m ( S ) + log A ≤ m − D 2 log 2. (41)
For the real estimate, the equation for f f f is
( 1 − x 2 ) f ′ ′ − ( 2 r + 2 ) x f ′ + n ( n + 2 r + 1 ) f = 0. (1-x^2)f''-(2r+2)xf'+n(n+2r+1)f=0. ( 1 − x 2 ) f ′′ − ( 2 r + 2 ) x f ′ + n ( n + 2 r + 1 ) f = 0.
With λ = n ( n + 2 r + 1 ) \lambda=n(n+2r+1) λ = n ( n + 2 r + 1 ) and E = ( 1 − x 2 ) f ′ 2 + λ f 2 E=(1-x^2)f'^2+\lambda f^2 E = ( 1 − x 2 ) f ′2 + λ f 2 , it gives E ′ = 2 ( 2 r + 1 ) x f ′ 2 E'=2(2r+1)xf'^2 E ′ = 2 ( 2 r + 1 ) x f ′2 . Hence E ( x ) ≥ E ( 0 ) = γ 2 E(x)\ge E(0)=\gamma^2 E ( x ) ≥ E ( 0 ) = γ 2 , where γ 2 = λ f ( 0 ) 2 + f ′ ( 0 ) 2 > 0 \gamma^2=\lambda f(0)^2+f'(0)^2>0 γ 2 = λ f ( 0 ) 2 + f ′ ( 0 ) 2 > 0 . At each nonzero root α \alpha α , ∣ h ′ ( α ) ∣ = ∣ f ′ ( α ) ∣ / ∣ α ∣ δ > γ |h'(\alpha)|=|f'(\alpha)|/|\alpha|^\delta>\gamma ∣ h ′ ( α ) ∣ = ∣ f ′ ( α ) ∣/∣ α ∣ δ > γ . The exact central and endpoint formulas imply
γ f ( 1 ) = { 2 m ( 2 m + 2 r + 1 ) b m / K , δ = 0 , ( 2 m + 1 ) b m / K , δ = 1 , γ f ( 1 ) > m K . (42) \frac{\gamma}{f(1)}=
\begin{cases}
\sqrt{2m(2m+2r+1)}\,b_m/K, & \delta=0,\\
(2m+1)b_m/K, & \delta=1,
\end{cases}
\qquad
\frac{\gamma}{f(1)}>\frac{\sqrt{m}}{K}. \tag*{(42)} f ( 1 ) γ = { 2 m ( 2 m + 2 r + 1 ) b m / K , ( 2 m + 1 ) b m / K , δ = 0 , δ = 1 , f ( 1 ) γ > K m . (42)
Lemma 2.6 , with N = 2 m N=2m N = 2 m and d ≤ m d\le m d ≤ m , therefore gives
log R d > m log 4 − log ( 8 m ) − log K − D 2 log 2. (43) \frac{\log R}{d}>m\log4-\log(8\sqrt{m})-\log K-D_2\log2. \tag*{(43)} d log R > m log 4 − log ( 8 m ) − log K − D 2 log 2. (43)
Comparing (41) and (43) proves (34) . In particular the binary contributions cancel exactly.
For the elementary criterion, retain the nonnegativity of D p D_p D p . Every prime occurring in A A A divides ∏ j = 1 2 r ( n + j ) \prod_{j=1}^{2r}(n+j) ∏ j = 1 2 r ( n + j ) . A prime p > M p>M p > M in this product satisfies 2 p > n + 2 r 2p>n+2r 2 p > n + 2 r and therefore belongs to ( n , n + 2 r ] (n,n+2r] ( n , n + 2 r ] . Thus
Ψ m ( S ) + log A ≤ m ≤ Ψ M ( S ) + ∑ n < p ≤ n + 2 r log p + log A . (44) \Psi_m(S)+\log A_{\le m}\le\Psi_M(S)+\sum_{n<p\le n+2r}\log p+\log A. \tag*{(44)} Ψ m ( S ) + log A ≤ m ≤ Ψ M ( S ) + n < p ≤ n + 2 r ∑ log p + log A . (44)
The difference is a sum of nonnegative terms D p log p D_p\log p D p log p . Every prime in ( n , n + 2 r ] (n,n+2r] ( n , n + 2 r ] divides ( n + 2 r 2 r ) \binom{n+2r}{2r} ( 2 r n + 2 r ) , and
log ( n + 2 r 2 r ) + log A = 2 log B − log ( 2 r r ) . \log\binom{n+2r}{2r}+\log A=2\log B-\log\binom{2r}{r}. log ( 2 r n + 2 r ) + log A = 2 log B − log ( r 2 r ) .
Since S ≤ 5 M S\le5M S ≤ 5 M , Lemma 2.7 proves (35) . □
Uniform linear ranges
The elementary criterion first gives an explicit range by bounding each additional term relative to m m m . We then use the exact factorial ratio to obtain a sharper asymptotic range.
The explicit assertion of Theorem 1.4 . Suppose m ≥ max { 100 r , 1000 } m\ge\max\{100r,1000\} m ≥ max { 100 r , 1000 } . Then S ≤ 4.05 m S\le4.05m S ≤ 4.05 m . Using ( u v ) ≤ ( e u / v ) v \binom{u}{v}\le(eu/v)^v ( v u ) ≤ ( e u / v ) v and monotonicity in r r r , we have
log K + 2 log B m ≤ 3 + log 101 + 2 log 201.1 100 < 0.1824. \frac{\log K+2\log B}{m}\le\frac{3+\log101+2\log201.1}{100}<0.1824. m log K + 2 log B ≤ 100 3 + log 101 + 2 log 201.1 < 0.1824.
For r = 0 r=0 r = 0 the left side is zero. Also
( M − m ) log 3 m < 0.011 , S log 3 m < 1.1 ⋅ 2.1 31 < 0.0746 , log ( 8 m ) m < 0.006. \frac{(M-m)\log3}{m}<0.011,\qquad
\frac{\sqrt{S}\log3}{m}<\frac{1.1\cdot2.1}{31}<0.0746,\qquad
\frac{\log(8\sqrt{m})}{m}<0.006. m ( M − m ) log 3 < 0.011 , m S log 3 < 31 1.1 ⋅ 2.1 < 0.0746 , m log ( 8 m ) < 0.006.
These bounds hold at m = 1000 m=1000 m = 1000 and decrease thereafter where required. Discarding − log ( 2 r r ) -\log\binom{2r}{r} − log ( r 2 r ) in (35) , the excess over m log 3 m\log3 m log 3 , divided by m m m , is less than
0.1824 + 0.011 + 0.0746 + 0.006 = 0.274 < 2 7 < log ( 4 / 3 ) . 0.1824+0.011+0.0746+0.006=0.274<\frac{2}{7}<\log(4/3). 0.1824 + 0.011 + 0.0746 + 0.006 = 0.274 < 7 2 < log ( 4/3 ) .
The last inequality follows from the power series for 2 arctanh ( 1 / 7 ) 2\operatorname{arctanh}(1/7) 2 arctanh ( 1/7 ) . The criterion applies. □
When r r r is proportional to m m m , the terms involving K K K and A A A are also of order m m m , so they affect the leading constant in the comparison. For r ≥ 1 r \ge1 r ≥ 1 , write t = m / r t=m/r t = m / r . The next lemma shows that the arithmetic side of (34) , divided by m m m , is 1 + g ( t ) / t + o ( 1 ) 1+g(t)/t+o(1) 1 + g ( t ) / t + o ( 1 ) , whereas the real side is log 4 \log4 log 4 . Thus 1 + g ( t ) / t < log 4 1+g(t)/t<\log4 1 + g ( t ) / t < log 4 supplies the required asymptotic gap. The same calculation will later be used to exclude a prescribed factor. Define
g ( t ) = ( 4 t + 2 ) log ( t + 1 / 2 ) − 3 t log t − ( t + 1 ) log ( t + 1 ) . (45) g(t)=(4t+2)\log(t+1/2)-3t\log t-(t+1)\log(t+1). \tag*{(45)} g ( t ) = ( 4 t + 2 ) log ( t + 1/2 ) − 3 t log t − ( t + 1 ) log ( t + 1 ) . (45)
Lemma 3.5. Uniformly for integers 1 ≤ r ≤ m / 2 1 \le r \le m/2 1 ≤ r ≤ m /2 and δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } , as m → ∞ m \to\infty m → ∞ ,
Ψ m ( S ) + log K + log A ≤ m = m + r g ( m / r ) + o ( m ) . (46) \Psi_m(S)+\log K+\log A_{\le m}=m+r\,g(m/r)+o(m). \tag*{(46)} Ψ m ( S ) + log K + log A ≤ m = m + r g ( m / r ) + o ( m ) . (46) The error has an effective bound independent of r r r and δ \delta δ . Moreover, g ( t ) / t g(t)/t g ( t ) / t is strictly decreasing for t ≥ 2 t \ge2 t ≥ 2 .
Proof. The first prime powers contribute ϑ ( m ) = m + o ( m ) \vartheta(m)=m+o(m) ϑ ( m ) = m + o ( m ) . The higher powers contribute O ( m log m ) = o ( m ) O(\sqrt{m}\log m)=o(m) O ( m log m ) = o ( m ) , uniformly, since S ≤ 5 m + 3 S\le5m+3 S ≤ 5 m + 3 . For p > m p>m p > m , one has p 2 > n + 2 r p^2>n+2r p 2 > n + 2 r for large m m m , and 3 p > n + 2 r 3p>n+2r 3 p > n + 2 r . The only possible multiples in
A = ∏ j = 1 r ( n + j ) ∏ j = r + 1 2 r ( n + j ) A=\frac{\prod_{j=1}^{r}(n+j)}{\prod_{j=r+1}^{2r}(n+j)} A = ∏ j = r + 1 2 r ( n + j ) ∏ j = 1 r ( n + j )
are p p p and 2 p 2p 2 p . Consequently
log A − log A ≤ m = 2 ϑ ( n + r ) − ϑ ( n ) − ϑ ( n + 2 r ) + 2 ϑ ( ( n + r ) / 2 ) − ϑ ( n / 2 ) − ϑ ( ( n + 2 r ) / 2 ) . (47) \log A-\log A_{\le m}=2\vartheta(n+r)-\vartheta(n)-\vartheta(n+2r)+2\vartheta((n+r)/2)-\vartheta(n/2)-\vartheta((n+2r)/2). \tag*{(47)} log A − log A ≤ m = 2 ϑ ( n + r ) − ϑ ( n ) − ϑ ( n + 2 r ) + 2 ϑ (( n + r ) /2 ) − ϑ ( n /2 ) − ϑ (( n + 2 r ) /2 ) . (47)
Every argument is between fixed positive multiples of m m m . The prime number theorem gives a uniform o ( m ) o(m) o ( m ) error, and the linear terms cancel. An explicit prime number theorem, for example [12 Theorem 5.2] , makes this error effective.
The elementary factorial estimate log ( k ! ) = k log k − k + O ( log ( k + 1 ) ) \log(k!)=k\log k-k+O(\log(k+1)) log ( k !) = k log k − k + O ( log ( k + 1 )) , obtained by integrating log x \log x log x , gives uniformly
log K + log A = r g ( m / r ) + O ( log m ) . \log K+\log A=r\,g(m/r)+O(\log m). log K + log A = r g ( m / r ) + O ( log m ) .
Indeed, for t = m / r t=m/r t = m / r , the two main terms divided by r r r are
( t + 1 ) log ( t + 1 ) − t log t (t+1)\log(t+1)-t\log t ( t + 1 ) log ( t + 1 ) − t log t
and
2 ( 2 t + 1 ) log ( 2 t + 1 ) − 2 t log ( 2 t ) − ( 2 t + 2 ) log ( 2 t + 2 ) . 2(2t+1)\log(2t+1)-2t\log(2t)-(2t+2)\log(2t+2). 2 ( 2 t + 1 ) log ( 2 t + 1 ) − 2 t log ( 2 t ) − ( 2 t + 2 ) log ( 2 t + 2 ) .
Their sum is g ( t ) g(t) g ( t ) ; changing δ \delta δ changes the error by O ( log m ) O(\log m) O ( log m ) . Combining the estimates proves (46) . Finally,
t g ′ ( t ) − g ( t ) = log t + 1 ( t + 1 / 2 ) 2 < 0 ( t ≥ 2 ) . tg'(t)-g(t)=\log\frac{t+1}{(t+1/2)^2}<0 \qquad(t\ge2). t g ′ ( t ) − g ( t ) = log ( t + 1/2 ) 2 t + 1 < 0 ( t ≥ 2 ) .
Proposition 3.6. Let c ≥ 2 c\ge2 c ≥ 2 satisfy
c ( log 4 − 1 ) > g ( c ) . (48) c(\log4-1)>g(c). \tag*{(48)} c ( log 4 − 1 ) > g ( c ) . (48) For all sufficiently large m m m , uniformly for 0 ≤ r ≤ m / c 0\le r\le m/c 0 ≤ r ≤ m / c , both polynomials C 2 m + δ r + 1 / 2 ( x ) / x δ C_{2m+\delta}^{r+1/2}(x)/x^\delta C 2 m + δ r + 1/2 ( x ) / x δ are irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q . For rational c c c , the threshold is effectively computable. In particular, c = 8 c=8 c = 8 is admissible.
Proof. For r ≥ 1 r\ge1 r ≥ 1 , put t = m / r ≥ c t=m/r\ge c t = m / r ≥ c . Lemma 3.5 and monotonicity give
Ψ m ( S ) + log K + log A ≤ m ≤ m ( 1 + g ( c ) c ) + o ( m ) . \Psi_m(S)+\log K+\log A_{\le m}\le m\left(1+\frac{g(c)}{c}\right)+o(m). Ψ m ( S ) + log K + log A ≤ m ≤ m ( 1 + c g ( c ) ) + o ( m ) .
The strict margin in (48) absorbs this error and log ( 8 m ) \log(8\sqrt{m}) log ( 8 m ) in Theorem 3.4 . For r = 0 r=0 r = 0 , K = A = 1 K=A=1 K = A = 1 and the conclusion follows directly from that criterion. All errors above are effective; for rational c c c the strict margin can be bounded below by rational approximation. Finally,
8 ( log 4 − 1 ) − g ( 8 ) > 0.0097. 8(\log4-1)-g(8)>0.0097. 8 ( log 4 − 1 ) − g ( 8 ) > 0.0097.
An exact rational verification is recorded in Appendix C. This also proves the remaining assertion of Theorem 1.4 . □ \square □
Legendre polynomials and their first derivatives.
Proof of Theorem 1.5 . The assertions for P 2 m P_{2m} P 2 m and P 2 m + 1 / x P_{2m+1}/x P 2 m + 1 / x are [10 Theorem 1.1] . To see their relation to the present argument, specialize Theorem 3.4 to r = 0 r=0 r = 0 . Then K = A = 1 K=A=1 K = A = 1 , and Lemma 2.7 gives the sufficient inequality
m log ( 4 / 3 ) > 4 m + 3 log 3 + log ( 8 m ) . m\log(4/3)>\sqrt{4m+3\log3+\log(8\sqrt{m})}. m log ( 4/3 ) > 4 m + 3 log 3 + log ( 8 m ) .
This holds for m ≥ 100 m\ge100 m ≥ 100 : after division by m m m , the right side decreases, and at m = 100 m=100 m = 100 it is less than 0.275 < 2 / 7 < log ( 4 / 3 ) 0.275<2/7<\log(4/3) 0.275 < 2/7 < log ( 4/3 ) . Thus the general comparison also recovers these two families in sufficiently large degree.
For the first derivatives, take r = 1 r=1 r = 1 and write n = 2 m + δ n=2m+\delta n = 2 m + δ . The parameters in (33) become
K = m + 1 , A = n + 1 n + 2 , S = 2 n + 3. K=m+1,\qquad A=\frac{n+1}{n+2},\qquad S=2n+3. K = m + 1 , A = n + 2 n + 1 , S = 2 n + 3.
Since A ≤ m ≤ n + 1 ≤ 2 m + 2 A\le m\le n+1\le2m+2 A ≤ m ≤ n + 1 ≤ 2 m + 2 , it suffices that
m log ( 4 / 3 ) > 4 m + 5 log 3 + log ( 8 m ) + log ( 2 ( m + 1 ) 2 ) . m\log(4/3)>\sqrt{4m+5\log3+\log(8\sqrt{m})}+\log(2(m+1)^2). m log ( 4/3 ) > 4 m + 5 log 3 + log ( 8 m ) + log ( 2 ( m + 1 ) 2 ) .
After division by m m m , the right side decreases. At m = 200 m=200 m = 200 it is less than ( 29 ⋅ 1.1 + 5 + 12 ) / 200 = 0.2445 < 2 / 7 (29\cdot1.1+5+12)/200=0.2445<2/7 ( 29 ⋅ 1.1 + 5 + 12 ) /200 = 0.2445 < 2/7 , so the inequality holds for every m ≥ 200. m\ge200. m ≥ 200. Lemma C.2 treats 1 ≤ m ≤ 199 1\le m\le199 1 ≤ m ≤ 199 by exact integer comparisons and reduction modulo primes. This proves both first-derivative assertions in every degree. □ \square □
The Kaneko–Zagier families
We turn to irreducibility of the four Kaneko–Zagier families. The comparison of § 2 requires two further estimates here: one for the common divisor introduced by clearing denominators, and one for the clustering of roots at 2 2 2 and 3 3 3 . Both contribute to the leading constants. We calculate them below, then combine the bounds to obtain a positive gap uniform in the possible factor degree. Appendix § 8 makes the comparison explicit and completes the finite range.
Primitive normalization
In this section and Appendix § 8 , unless stated otherwise, n ≥ 1 n\ge1 n ≥ 1 and we fix
α = λ / 3 , β = μ / 2 , λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } , c = α + β , y n ( t ) = P n ( α , β ) ( 1 − 2 t ) . \alpha=\lambda/3,\qquad\beta=\mu/2,\qquad\lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\},\qquad c=\alpha+\beta,\qquad y_n(t)=P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(1-2t). α = λ /3 , β = μ /2 , λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } , c = α + β , y n ( t ) = P n ( α , β ) ( 1 − 2 t ) .
All constants implicit in asymptotic notation are uniform in these four choices. The functional I I I , moments μ j \mu_j μ j , and constant C n C_n C n are those of (9) and (10) , evaluated at these parameters. Put
κ n = 2 n + v 2 ( n ! ) 3 n + v 3 ( n ! ) , g n = cont ( κ n y n ) , H n = κ n g n y n . (49) \kappa_n=2^{n+v_2(n!)}3^{n+v_3(n!)},\qquad g_n=\operatorname{cont}(\kappa_n y_n),\qquad H_n=\frac{\kappa_n}{g_n}y_n. \tag*{(49)} κ n = 2 n + v 2 ( n !) 3 n + v 3 ( n !) , g n = cont ( κ n y n ) , H n = g n κ n y n . (49)
Here cont is the positive gcd of the integral coefficients.
The factor κ n \kappa_n κ n clears the denominators at 2 2 2 and 3 3 3 . Removing the content g n g_n g n is necessary before applying Gauss’s lemma and the local resultant bounds. It also changes the real derivative estimate by the factor g n − 1 g_n^{-1} g n − 1 . We shall therefore estimate g n g_n g n as carefully as the local contributions to the resultant.
Lemma 4.1. The polynomial H n H_n H n is primitive and integral. Its leading coefficient is prime to 6, and ( g n , 6 ) = 1 (g_n,6)=1 ( g n , 6 ) = 1 . Moreover,
log κ n = ( 2 log 2 + 3 2 log 3 ) n + O ( log n ) . \log\kappa_n=\left(2\log2+\frac{3}{2}\log3\right)n+O(\log n). log κ n = ( 2 log 2 + 2 3 log 3 ) n + O ( log n ) . Proof. For p ≥ 5 p\ge5 p ≥ 5 , both generalized binomial coefficients in (8) are p p p -integral. At 2, the first is integral and the second has valuation − j − v 2 ( j ! ) -j-v_2(j!) − j − v 2 ( j !) . At 3, the coefficient has valuation
− n − v 3 ( j ! ) − v 3 ( ( n − j ) ! ) = − n − v 3 ( n ! ) + v 3 ( n j ) . -n-v_3(j!)-v_3((n-j)!)=-n-v_3(n!)+v_3\binom{n}{j}. − n − v 3 ( j !) − v 3 (( n − j )!) = − n − v 3 ( n !) + v 3 ( j n ) . The minimum at either prime is attained by the leading coefficient. This proves the integral and unit assertions. The last formula follows from v p ( n ! ) = ( n − s p ( n ) ) / ( p − 1 ) v_p(n!)=(n-s_p(n))/(p-1) v p ( n !) = ( n − s p ( n )) / ( p − 1 ) , where s p ( n ) s_p(n) s p ( n ) is the sum of the base-p p p digits of n n n . □
The resultant away from 2 and 3
Suppose that
H n = A B , A , B ∈ Z [ t ] primitive , k = deg A ≤ e = deg B , H_n=AB,\qquad A,B\in\mathbb{Z}[t]\text{ primitive},\qquad k=\deg A\le e=\deg B, H n = A B , A , B ∈ Z [ t ] primitive , k = deg A ≤ e = deg B ,
and put
R = ∣ Res ( A , B ) ∣ > 0 , R ( 6 ) = R 2 v 2 ( R ) 3 v 3 ( R ) . (50) R=\lvert\operatorname{Res}(A,B)\rvert>0,\qquad R^{(6)}=\frac{R}{2^{v_2(R)}3^{v_3(R)}}. \tag*{(50)} R = ∣ Res ( A , B )∣ > 0 , R ( 6 ) = 2 v 2 ( R ) 3 v 3 ( R ) R . (50)
The main estimates in this section are
log g n = ( c + o ( 1 ) ) n , log R ( 6 ) ≤ ( u + o ( 1 ) ) k n , (51) \log g_n=(c+o(1))n,\qquad\log R^{(6)}\le(u+o(1))kn, \tag*{(51)} log g n = ( c + o ( 1 )) n , log R ( 6 ) ≤ ( u + o ( 1 )) k n , (51)
where
c = π 2 3 , u = 43 20 − π 3 . (52) c=\frac{\pi}{2\sqrt{3}},\qquad u=\frac{43}{20}-\frac{\pi}{\sqrt{3}}. \tag*{(52)} c = 2 3 π , u = 20 43 − 3 π . (52)
A valuation calculation
The content and the moment denominators come from closely related products. Estimating them separately loses the cancellation needed in the resultant comparison. We instead count divisibility by each prime power q q q at the same time. The indicator m q m_q m q records the common divisibility forced on all coefficients at that level; e q e_q e q records the contribution that remains in the local bound after the primitive normalization. The crucial fact will be m q + e q ≤ 1 m_q+e_q\le1 m q + e q ≤ 1 .
Fix p ≥ 5 p\ge5 p ≥ 5 and q = p h q=p^h q = p h . Let a q , b q a_q,b_q a q , b q be the least residues of α , β \alpha,\beta α , β modulo q q q , and put
c q = ( a q + b q ) m o d q , d q = ⌊ a q + b q q ⌋ , s = n m o d q . c_q=(a_q+b_q)\bmod q,\qquad d_q=\left\lfloor\frac{a_q+b_q}{q}\right\rfloor,\qquad s=n\bmod q. c q = ( a q + b q ) mod q , d q = ⌊ q a q + b q ⌋ , s = n mod q .
Thus 1 ≤ a q , b q ≤ q − 1 1\le a_q,b_q\le q-1 1 ≤ a q , b q ≤ q − 1 and d q ∈ { 0 , 1 } d_q\in\{0,1\} d q ∈ { 0 , 1 } . Define
E a = 1 s + a q ≥ q , E b = 1 s + b q ≥ q , E c = 1 s + c q ≥ q , E_a=\mathbf{1}_{s+a_q\ge q},\qquad E_b=\mathbf{1}_{s+b_q\ge q},\qquad E_c=\mathbf{1}_{s+c_q\ge q}, E a = 1 s + a q ≥ q , E b = 1 s + b q ≥ q , E c = 1 s + c q ≥ q ,
m q = 1 E a = E b = 1 , d q + E c = 1 , η q = 1 c q = q − 1 , b q ∗ = { 0 , c q = q − 1 , 1 − d q , c q ≠ q − 1 , m_q=\mathbf{1}_{E_a=E_b=1,\ d_q+E_c=1},\qquad\eta_q=\mathbf{1}_{c_q=q-1},\qquad
b_q^*=
\begin{cases}
0,&c_q=q-1,\\
1-d_q,&c_q\ne q-1,
\end{cases} m q = 1 E a = E b = 1 , d q + E c = 1 , η q = 1 c q = q − 1 , b q ∗ = { 0 , 1 − d q , c q = q − 1 , c q = q − 1 ,
and
e q = η q + E a + E b − E c + b q ∗ − 2 m q . (53) e_q=\eta_q+E_a+E_b-E_c+b_q^*-2m_q. \tag*{(53)} e q = η q + E a + E b − E c + b q ∗ − 2 m q . (53)
The notation b q ∗ b_q^* b q ∗ is a numerical bound for moments, distinct from the residue b q b_q b q .
Lemma 4.2. For every q = p h q=p^h q = p h , p ≥ 5 p\ge5 p ≥ 5 , one has e q ∈ { 0 , 1 } e_q\in\{0,1\} e q ∈ { 0 , 1 } and m q + e q ≤ 1 m_q+e_q\le1 m q + e q ≤ 1 . Writing M = 12 n + 5 M=12n+5 M = 12 n + 5 and
E p ( n ) = ∑ h ≥ 1 p h ≤ M e p h , m p = v p ( g n ) , E_p(n)=\sum_{\substack{h\ge1\\p^h\le M}}e_{p^h},\qquad m_p=v_p(g_n), E p ( n ) = h ≥ 1 p h ≤ M ∑ e p h , m p = v p ( g n ) , one has
v p ( C n ) − 2 m p − min 0 ≤ j ≤ 2 n − 1 v p ( μ j ) ≤ E p ( n ) ≤ ⌊ log p M ⌋ . (54) v_p(C_n)-2m_p-\min_{0\le j\le2n-1}v_p(\mu_j)\le E_p(n)\le\lfloor\log_p M\rfloor. \tag*{(54)} v p ( C n ) − 2 m p − 0 ≤ j ≤ 2 n − 1 min v p ( μ j ) ≤ E p ( n ) ≤ ⌊ log p M ⌋ . (54) If p > M p>\sqrt{M} p > M , then m p = m p l e v m_p=m_p^{\mathrm{lev}} m p = m p lev , where m p l e v m_p^{\mathrm{lev}} m p lev means m q m_q m q at the single level q = p q=p q = p .
Proof. For a rational p p p -adic integer z z z , the contribution at level q = p h q=p^h q = p h to v p ( j z ) v_p\binom{j}{z} v p ( z j ) is
1 j m o d q > z m o d q . \mathbf{1}_{j\bmod q>z\bmod q}. 1 j mod q > z mod q .
This follows by counting multiples of q q q in the numerator and denominator. Hence the contribution to the coefficient of t j t^j t j in (8) , with u = j m o d q u=j\bmod q u = j mod q , is
1 ( s − u m o d q ) > ( s + a q m o d q ) + 1 u + ( s + c q m o d q ) ≥ q . (55) \mathbf{1}_{(s-u\bmod q)>(s+ a_q\bmod q)}+\mathbf{1}_{u+(s+c_q\bmod q)\ge q}. \tag*{(55)} 1 ( s − u mod q ) > ( s + a q mod q ) + 1 u + ( s + c q mod q ) ≥ q . (55)
Its minimum over residues u u u is m q m_q m q . To see this, if E a = 0 E_a=0 E a = 0 the value at u = 0 u=0 u = 0 is zero. If E a = 1 E_a=1 E a = 1 , the first indicator is zero on [ q − a q , s ] [q-a_q,s] [ q − a q , s ] , and the second is zero on [ 0 , q − ( s + c q m o d q ) − 1 ] [0,q-(s+c_q\bmod q)-1] [ 0 , q − ( s + c q mod q ) − 1 ] . These intervals are disjoint exactly when E b = 1 E_b=1 E b = 1 and d q + E c = 1 d_q+E_c=1 d q + E c = 1 . The same minimum is attained for 0 ≤ j ≤ n 0\le j\le n 0 ≤ j ≤ n : if n < q n<q n < q , the relevant interval [ q − a q , s ] [q-a_q,s] [ q − a q , s ] already lies in [ 0 , n ] [0,n] [ 0 , n ] . Therefore
m p ≥ ∑ h ≥ 1 m p h . (56) m_p\ge\sum_{h\ge1}m_{p^h}. \tag*{(56)} m p ≥ h ≥ 1 ∑ m p h . (56)
Counting the four products in C n C_n C n shows that its contribution at level q q q is η q + E a + E b − E c \eta_q+E_a+E_b-E_c η q + E a + E b − E c . For the moments (9) , complete periods in the numerator and denominator cancel. If c q ≠ q − 1 c_q\ne q-1 c q = q − 1 , the first denominator factor divisible by q q q precedes the first numerator factor exactly when d q = 0 d_q=0 d q = 0 . If c q = q − 1 c_q=q-1 c q = q − 1 , it does not precede it. Thus every moment has contribution at least − b q ∗ -b_q^* − b q ∗ at that level.
It remains to check (53) . If c q ≠ q − 1 c_q\ne q-1 c q = q − 1 and d q = 0 d_q=0 d q = 0 , then E c ≥ max ( E a , E b ) E_c\ge\max(E_a,E_b) E c ≥ max ( E a , E b ) ; the case E a = E b = 1 E_a=E_b=1 E a = E b = 1 has m q = 1 m_q=1 m q = 1 . If d q = 1 d_q=1 d q = 1 , then E c ≤ min ( E a , E b ) E_c\le\min(E_a,E_b) E c ≤ min ( E a , E b ) ; now m q = 1 m_q=1 m q = 1 exactly when E a = E b = 1 E_a=E_b=1 E a = E b = 1 and E c = 0 E_c=0 E c = 0 . These cases give e q = 0 e_q=0 e q = 0 or 1 1 1 . If c q = q − 1 c_q=q-1 c q = q − 1 , then d q = 0 d_q=0 d q = 0 . For s = 0 s=0 s = 0 the value is one, and for s ≥ 1 s\ge1 s ≥ 1 it is E a + E b − 21 E a = E b = 1 E_a+E_b-2\mathbf{1}_{E_a=E_b=1} E a + E b − 2 1 E a = E b = 1 , again zero or one.
All numerator factors relevant to the coefficients, C n C_n C n , and the moments through index 2 n − 1 2n-1 2 n − 1 are at most M M M , apart from powers of 2 and 3. Summing the level inequalities proves (54) . For p > M p>\sqrt{M} p > M there is only one level, so the minimum in (55) is the actual content valuation. □
The moment bound alone allows primes as large as 12 n + 5 12n+5 12 n + 5 . For primes exceeding the degree, the differential equation gives more information. A repeated reduced root can occur only at an endpoint or at infinity, and the endpoint and leading-coefficient valuations are too small for two primitive factors to meet there. For n ≥ 11 n\ge11 n ≥ 11 , this removes every prime p > n p>n p > n with p ≥ 5 p\ge5 p ≥ 5 from the resultant.
Lemma 4.3. Let H ∈ Z p [ t ] H\in\mathbb{Z}_p[t] H ∈ Z p [ t ] be primitive of degree n < p n<p n < p and satisfy
t ( 1 − t ) H ′ ′ + τ ( t ) H ′ + Λ H = 0 , τ ∈ Z p [ t ] , Λ ∈ Z p . t(1-t)H''+\tau(t)H'+\Lambda H=0,\qquad\tau\in\mathbb{Z}_p[t],\qquad\Lambda\in\mathbb{Z}_p. t ( 1 − t ) H ′′ + τ ( t ) H ′ + Λ H = 0 , τ ∈ Z p [ t ] , Λ ∈ Z p . If
v p ( H ( 0 ) ) ≤ 1 , v p ( H ( 1 ) ) ≤ 1 , v p ( lc H ) ≤ 1 , v_p(H(0))\le1,\qquad v_p(H(1))\le1,\qquad v_p(\operatorname{lc} H)\le1, v p ( H ( 0 )) ≤ 1 , v p ( H ( 1 )) ≤ 1 , v p ( lc H ) ≤ 1 , then every primitive factorization H = A B H=AB H = A B in Z p [ t ] \mathbb{Z}_p[t] Z p [ t ] satisfies v p ( Res ( A , B ) ) = 0 v_p(\operatorname{Res}(A,B))=0 v p ( Res ( A , B )) = 0 .
Proof. The nonzero reduction H ‾ \overline{H} H has no multiple root outside 0 , 1 0,1 0 , 1 : a root ξ \xi ξ of multiplicity 2 ≤ d ≤ deg H ‾ < p 2\le d\le\deg\overline{H}<p 2 ≤ d ≤ deg H < p would give a nonzero lowest coefficient ξ ( 1 − ξ ) d ( d − 1 ) \xi(1-\xi)d(d-1) ξ ( 1 − ξ ) d ( d − 1 ) times the remaining nonvanishing factor in the reduced differential equation.
Homogenize A , B A,B A , B using their original degrees. A common reduced finite root must therefore be a = 0 a=0 a = 0 or 1 1 1 , forcing v p ( A ( a ) ) + v p ( B ( a ) ) ≥ 2 v_p(A(a))+v_p(B(a))\ge2 v p ( A ( a )) + v p ( B ( a )) ≥ 2 , a contradiction. A common reduced root at infinity would similarly force both leading coefficients to be divisible by p p p . Thus the reduced homogeneous polynomials have no common projective root. Their resultant is nonzero, and reduction commutes with the resultant. □
Lemma 4.4. For p ≥ 5 p\ge5 p ≥ 5 ,
v p ( R ) ≤ k E p ( n ) . (57) v_p(R)\le kE_p(n). \tag*{(57)} v p ( R ) ≤ k E p ( n ) . (57) If n ≥ 11 n\ge11 n ≥ 11 and p > n p>n p > n , then v p ( R ) = 0 v_p(R)=0 v p ( R ) = 0 .
Proof. Fix p ≥ 5 p \ge5 p ≥ 5 . Orthogonality and (10) allow Lemma 2.2 to be applied to H n H_n H n with moments (9) and C = ( κ n / g n ) 2 C n C = (\kappa_n/g_n)^2 C_n C = ( κ n / g n ) 2 C n . Since κ n \kappa_n κ n is a p p p -adic unit, Lemma 4.2 gives e p ≤ E p ( n ) e_p \le E_p(n) e p ≤ E p ( n ) , proving (57) .
Now suppose n ≥ 11 n \ge11 n ≥ 11 and p > n p > n p > n . Each of
y n ( 0 ) = ( α + 1 ) n n ! , y n ( 1 ) = ( − 1 ) n ( β + 1 ) n n ! , lc ( y n ) = ( − 1 ) n ( n + c + 1 ) n n ! y_n(0) = \frac{(\alpha+1)_n}{n!}, \qquad y_n(1) = (-1)^n\frac{(\beta+1)_n}{n!}, \qquad\operatorname{lc}(y_n) = (-1)^n\frac{(n+c+1)_n}{n!} y n ( 0 ) = n ! ( α + 1 ) n , y n ( 1 ) = ( − 1 ) n n ! ( β + 1 ) n , lc ( y n ) = ( − 1 ) n n ! ( n + c + 1 ) n
has valuation at most one: n ! n! n ! is a unit, and each cleared numerator product has length n < p n < p n < p , step prime to p p p , and factors at most 12 n + 5 < ( n + 1 ) 2 ≤ p 2 12n+5 < (n+1)^2 \le p^2 12 n + 5 < ( n + 1 ) 2 ≤ p 2 . Multiplication by κ n \kappa_n κ n preserves these valuations, and removing content cannot increase them. Thus the corresponding valuations for H n H_n H n are at most one. Equation (12) has p p p -integral coefficients, so Lemma 4.3 gives v p ( R ) = 0 v_p(R) = 0 v p ( R ) = 0 . □
The two asymptotic constants
For primes exceeding 12 n + 5 \sqrt{12n+5} 12 n + 5 there is only one valuation level. The preceding indicators then depend on the fractional part of n / p n/p n / p and on the residue class of p p p modulo 6. Their supports are short intervals. Summing the lengths of these intervals gives the two constants below; smaller primes and higher prime powers contribute only an error of smaller order than n n n .
Proposition 4.5. The estimates (51) hold uniformly in the four families and in the rational factorization.
Proof. For p > 12 n + 5 p > \sqrt{12n+5} p > 12 n + 5 there is only one valuation level. In the class p ≡ r ( m o d 6 ) p \equiv r \pmod{6} p ≡ r ( mod 6 ) , where r = 2 λ + 3 μ r = 2\lambda+ 3\mu r = 2 λ + 3 μ , one has a p / p = 1 / 3 + O ( 1 / p ) a_p/p = 1/3 + O(1/p) a p / p = 1/3 + O ( 1/ p ) ; in the other reduced class, a p / p = 2 / 3 + O ( 1 / p ) a_p/p = 2/3 + O(1/p) a p / p = 2/3 + O ( 1/ p ) . In both classes b p / p = 1 / 2 + O ( 1 / p ) b_p/p = 1/2 + O(1/p) b p / p = 1/2 + O ( 1/ p ) . The indicator calculation in Lemma 4.2 gives the following intervals, up to endpoint changes of size O ( 1 / p ) O(1/p) O ( 1/ p ) :
Table 1.
Small primes and higher prime powers contribute O ( n log n ) O(\sqrt{n}\log n) O ( n log n ) . For the content this follows also from v p ( g n ) ≤ v p ( lc ( y n ) ) ≤ ⌊ log p ( 12 n + 5 ) ⌋ v_p(g_n) \le v_p(\operatorname{lc}(y_n)) \le\lfloor\log_p(12n+5)\rfloor v p ( g n ) ≤ v p ( lc ( y n )) ≤ ⌊ log p ( 12 n + 5 )⌋ .
Apply the prime number theorem in the two classes modulo 6 to the intervals in the table; the fixed-modulus consequence of [3 Corollary 1.7] suffices. For each fixed bound on ℓ = ⌊ n / p ⌋ \ell= \lfloor n/p\rfloor ℓ = ⌊ n / p ⌋ only finitely many intervals occur. The remaining primes contribute O ( n / ℓ ) O(n/\ell) O ( n / ℓ ) , so the resulting convergent sums may be obtained by first fixing this bound and then letting it tend to infinity. Endpoint perturbations contribute o ( n ) o(n) o ( n ) ; after removing p ≤ 12 n + 5 p \le\sqrt{12n+5} p ≤ 12 n + 5 there are only O ( n ) O(\sqrt{n}) O ( n ) endpoints, each shifted by O ( 1 ) O(1) O ( 1 ) .
Lemma 4.4 permits restriction to p ≤ n p \le n p ≤ n . The upper bound for the resultant is therefore
1 n ∑ 5 ≤ p ≤ n E p ( n ) log p ⟶ 1 2 ∑ ℓ ≥ 1 ( 1 ℓ − 1 ℓ + 1 / 6 + 1 ℓ + 1 / 3 − 1 ℓ + 2 / 3 + 1 ℓ + 5 / 6 − 1 ℓ + 1 ) = 43 20 − π 3 . \frac{1}{n}\sum_{5 \le p \le n} E_p(n)\log p \longrightarrow\frac{1}{2}\sum_{\ell\ge1}\left(\frac{1}{\ell}-\frac{1}{\ell+1/6}+\frac{1}{\ell+1/3}-\frac{1}{\ell+2/3}+\frac{1}{\ell+5/6}-\frac{1}{\ell+1}\right)=\frac{43}{20}-\frac{\pi}{\sqrt{3}}. n 1 5 ≤ p ≤ n ∑ E p ( n ) log p ⟶ 2 1 ℓ ≥ 1 ∑ ( ℓ 1 − ℓ + 1/6 1 + ℓ + 1/3 1 − ℓ + 2/3 1 + ℓ + 5/6 1 − ℓ + 1 1 ) = 20 43 − 3 π .
For the content all primes are included, so the corresponding sum starts at zero:
log g n n ⟶ 1 2 ∑ ℓ ≥ 0 ( 1 ℓ + 2 / 3 − 1 ℓ + 1 + 1 ℓ + 1 / 2 − 1 ℓ + 5 / 6 ) = π 2 3 . \frac{\log g_n}{n} \longrightarrow\frac{1}{2}\sum_{\ell\ge0}\left(\frac{1}{\ell+2/3}-\frac{1}{\ell+1}+\frac{1}{\ell+1/2}-\frac{1}{\ell+5/6}\right)=\frac{\pi}{2\sqrt{3}}. n log g n ⟶ 2 1 ℓ ≥ 0 ∑ ( ℓ + 2/3 1 − ℓ + 1 1 + ℓ + 1/2 1 − ℓ + 5/6 1 ) = 2 3 π .
These evaluations follow from the partial-fraction expansion of π cot ( π z ) \pi\cot(\pi z) π cot ( π z ) , or from the reflection and duplication formulas for the logarithmic derivative of Γ \Gamma Γ [22 Eqs. 5.5.4 and 5.5.8] . □
The primes 2 and 3
The monic endpoint expansions place every root in the ball v 2 ( t ) ≥ 1 v_2(t) \ge1 v 2 ( t ) ≥ 1 at 2, and in the ball v 3 ( 1 − t ) ≥ 1 v_3(1-t) \ge1 v 3 ( 1 − t ) ≥ 1 at 3. The endpoint values of a factor measure the total valuations of its roots in these balls. If two roots have different endpoint valuations, their difference has the smaller valuation. The only additional contribution comes from roots with equal valuations. We bound it by expanding the differential equation at one root.
To sum the resulting errors, we use the Newton polygon. For a polynomial f ( X ) = ∑ j c j X j f(X) = \sum_j c_jX^j f ( X ) = ∑ j c j X j over Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p with nonzero constant term, this is the lower convex hull of the points ( j , v p ( c j ) ) (j,v_p(c_j)) ( j , v p ( c j )) , omitting zero coefficients. A side of slope − r -r − r and horizontal length d d d corresponds to exactly d d d roots in Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p of valuation r r r , counted with multiplicity. Thus inequalities for coefficient valuations can bound the total number and size of exceptional root valuations.
For the factorization H n = A B H_n = AB H n = A B , put
D 2 , A = v 2 ( A ( 0 ) ) , D 2 , B = v 2 ( B ( 0 ) ) , D 3 , A = v 3 ( A ( 1 ) ) , D 3 , B = v 3 ( B ( 1 ) ) . D_{2,A}=v_2(A(0)),\qquad D_{2,B}=v_2(B(0)),\qquad D_{3,A}=v_3(A(1)),\qquad D_{3,B}=v_3(B(1)). D 2 , A = v 2 ( A ( 0 )) , D 2 , B = v 2 ( B ( 0 )) , D 3 , A = v 3 ( A ( 1 )) , D 3 , B = v 3 ( B ( 1 )) .
The leading coefficients of both factors are units at 2 and 3.
Proposition 4.6. Let s p ( m ) s_p(m) s p ( m ) denote the sum of the base-p p p digits of m m m , and put δ = ( μ + 1 ) / 2 \delta=(\mu+1)/2 δ = ( μ + 1 ) /2 . Then
v 2 ( R ) ≤ min ( e D 2 , A , k D 2 , B ) + k e 2 + k 2 s 2 ( n ) , v_2(R) \le\min(eD_{2,A},kD_{2,B})+\frac{ke}{2}+\frac{k}{2}s_2(n), v 2 ( R ) ≤ min ( e D 2 , A , k D 2 , B ) + 2 k e + 2 k s 2 ( n ) , v 3 ( R ) ≤ min ( e D 3 , A , k D 3 , B ) + k e 3 + k 6 s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) . v_3(R) \le\min(eD_{3,A},kD_{3,B})+\frac{ke}{3}+\frac{k}{6}s_3(2n+\delta). v 3 ( R ) ≤ min ( e D 3 , A , k D 3 , B ) + 3 k e + 6 k s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) . These bounds hold for every factorization; no restriction on k k k is needed. In particular, the error beyond the displayed bilinear terms is O ( k log n ) O(k\log n) O ( k log n ) .
Proof. The proof has two parts. First, the Taylor coefficients at a root give a uniform upper bound for the extra closeness of another root with the same endpoint valuation. The error in that bound measures how far the root valuation lies below 2 at the prime 2, or below 3 / 2 3/2 3/2 at the prime 3. Second, the coefficient valuations and the Newton polygon show that the total of these deficits is controlled by a digit sum, hence is O ( log n ) O(\log n) O ( log n ) .
At p = 2 p=2 p = 2 use the endpoint coordinate z = t z=t z = t and b = α b=\alpha b = α . At p = 3 p=3 p = 3 use z = 1 − t z=1-t z = 1 − t and b = β b=\beta b = β . In either case the corresponding Jacobi polynomial P ( z ) P(z) P ( z ) satisfies
σ P ′ ′ + τ P ′ + Λ P = 0 , σ = z ( 1 − z ) , τ = b + 1 − ( c + 2 ) z , Λ = n ( n + c + 1 ) . \sigma P''+\tau P'+\Lambda P=0,\qquad\sigma=z(1-z),\qquad\tau=b+1-(c+2)z,\qquad\Lambda=n(n+c+1). σ P ′′ + τ P ′ + Λ P = 0 , σ = z ( 1 − z ) , τ = b + 1 − ( c + 2 ) z , Λ = n ( n + c + 1 ) .
Every root z z z has v p ( z ) ≥ 1 v_p(z)\ge1 v p ( z ) ≥ 1 . Indeed, the monic endpoint coefficients are given by
n ! P n ( a , b ) ( 2 X − 1 ) ( n + a + b + 1 ) n = ∑ j = 0 n ( − 1 ) n − j ( n j ) ( b + j + 1 ) n − j ( n + a + b + j + 1 ) n − j X j . (58) \frac{n!P_n^{(a,b)}(2X-1)}{(n+a+b+1)_n}
=\sum_{j=0}^{n}(-1)^{n-j}\binom{n}{j}\frac{(b+j+1)_{n-j}}{(n+a+b+j+1)_{n-j}}X^j. \tag*{(58)} ( n + a + b + 1 ) n n ! P n ( a , b ) ( 2 X − 1 ) = j = 0 ∑ n ( − 1 ) n − j ( j n ) ( n + a + b + j + 1 ) n − j ( b + j + 1 ) n − j X j . (58)
Here b ∈ Z p b\in\mathbb{Z}_p b ∈ Z p , while every factor in the denominator has valuation − 1 -1 − 1 . Thus their valuations are at least n − j n-j n − j .
Fix a root z z z , put r = v p ( z ) ≥ 1 r=v_p(z)\ge1 r = v p ( z ) ≥ 1 , and let
h = min ( 1 , r − 1 ) , u j = z j − 1 P ( j ) ( z ) P ′ ( z ) . h=\min(1,r-1),\qquad u_j=z^{j-1}\frac{P^{(j)}(z)}{P'(z)}. h = min ( 1 , r − 1 ) , u j = z j − 1 P ′ ( z ) P ( j ) ( z ) .
Thus u 0 = 0 u_0=0 u 0 = 0 and u 1 = 1 u_1=1 u 1 = 1 . Differentiating the differential equation m m m times gives
u m + 2 = − a m u m + 1 − b m u m , u_{m+2}=-a_mu_{m+1}-b_mu_m, u m + 2 = − a m u m + 1 − b m u m ,
a m = b + 1 + m − ( c + 2 + 2 m ) z 1 − z , b m = z ( n − m ) ( n + m + c + 1 ) 1 − z . (59) a_m=\frac{b+1+m-(c+2+2m)z}{1-z},\qquad b_m=\frac{z(n-m)(n+m+c+1)}{1-z}. \tag*{(59)} a m = 1 − z b + 1 + m − ( c + 2 + 2 m ) z , b m = 1 − z z ( n − m ) ( n + m + c + 1 ) . (59)
Since v p ( c + 2 + 2 m ) = v p ( n + m + c + 1 ) = − 1 v_p(c+2+2m)=v_p(n+m+c+1)=-1 v p ( c + 2 + 2 m ) = v p ( n + m + c + 1 ) = − 1 , we have v p ( b m ) ≥ r − 1 ≥ h v_p(b_m)\ge r-1\ge h v p ( b m ) ≥ r − 1 ≥ h and v p ( a m ) ≥ 0 v_p(a_m)\ge0 v p ( a m ) ≥ 0 . At 2, α + 1 \alpha+1 α + 1 is even in Z 2 \mathbb{Z}_2 Z 2 , so v 2 ( a m ) ≥ h v_2(a_m)\ge h v 2 ( a m ) ≥ h whenever m m m is even. At 3, β + 1 \beta+1 β + 1 is congruent to 2 if δ = 0 \delta=0 δ = 0 and to 0 if δ = 1 \delta= 1 δ = 1 , so v 3 ( a m ) ≥ h v_3(a_m) \ge h v 3 ( a m ) ≥ h whenever m ≡ 1 − δ ( m o d 3 ) m \equiv1-\delta\pmod{3} m ≡ 1 − δ ( mod 3 ) . Induction in (59) therefore gives
v 2 ( u j ) ≥ ⌊ j 2 ⌋ h , v 3 ( u j ) ≥ ⌊ j + δ 3 ⌋ h . (60) v_2(u_j) \ge\left\lfloor\frac{j}{2} \right\rfloor h,\qquad v_3(u_j) \ge\left\lfloor\frac{j+\delta}{3} \right\rfloor h. \tag*{(60)} v 2 ( u j ) ≥ ⌊ 2 j ⌋ h , v 3 ( u j ) ≥ ⌊ 3 j + δ ⌋ h . (60)
For example, in the 3 3 3 -adic induction the first term gains an extra h h h precisely when the target floor increases, and the second term gains at least h h h at every step. The initial values satisfy the stated bounds.
For p = 2 p=2 p = 2 or 3 3 3 , j ≥ 2 j\ge2 j ≥ 2 , and 0 ≤ h ≤ 1 0\le h\le1 0 ≤ h ≤ 1 , Legendre’s formula implies
v p ( j ! ) − ⌊ j / p ⌋ h j − 1 ≤ 1 p − 1 − h p . (61) \frac{v_p(j!)-\lfloor j/p\rfloor h}{j-1}\le\frac{1}{p-1}-\frac{h}{p}. \tag*{(61)} j − 1 v p ( j !) − ⌊ j / p ⌋ h ≤ p − 1 1 − p h . (61)
To verify it, write j = p q + s j=pq+s j = pq + s , 0 ≤ s < p 0\le s<p 0 ≤ s < p . After rearrangement, the required inequality is
1 − s p ( j ) p − 1 + h ( s − 1 ) p ≤ 0. \frac{1-s_p(j)}{p-1}+\frac{h(s-1)}{p}\le0. p − 1 1 − s p ( j ) + p h ( s − 1 ) ≤ 0.
For s = 0 , 1 s=0,1 s = 0 , 1 this is immediate; for s ≥ 2 s\ge2 s ≥ 2 use s p ( j ) ≥ s s_p(j)\ge s s p ( j ) ≥ s and h ≤ 1 h\le1 h ≤ 1 . If w ≠ z w\ne z w = z is another root, the Taylor quotient
P ( w ) ( w − z ) P ′ ( z ) = 1 + ∑ j = 2 n u j j ! ( w − z z ) j − 1 \frac{P(w)}{(w-z)P'(z)}=1+\sum_{j=2}^{n}\frac{u_j}{j!}\left(\frac{w-z}{z}\right)^{j-1} ( w − z ) P ′ ( z ) P ( w ) = 1 + j = 2 ∑ n j ! u j ( z w − z ) j − 1
cannot vanish when v p ( ( w − z ) / z ) > 1 / ( p − 1 ) − h / p v_p((w-z)/z)>1/(p-1)-h/p v p (( w − z ) / z ) > 1/ ( p − 1 ) − h / p . Thus, writing ρ p = p / ( p − 1 ) \rho_p=p/(p-1) ρ p = p / ( p − 1 ) , we obtain the convenient weaker bound
v p ( w − z ) − min ( v p ( w ) , v p ( z ) ) ≤ 1 p + ( ρ p − v p ( z ) ) + p if v p ( w ) = v p ( z ) . (62) v_p(w-z)-\min(v_p(w),v_p(z))\le\frac{1}{p}+\frac{(\rho_p-v_p(z))_+}{p}\qquad\text{if }v_p(w)=v_p(z). \tag*{(62)} v p ( w − z ) − min ( v p ( w ) , v p ( z )) ≤ p 1 + p ( ρ p − v p ( z ) ) + if v p ( w ) = v p ( z ) . (62)
The excess is zero when the root valuations differ. Here ( x ) + = max ( x , 0 ) (x)_+=\max(x,0) ( x ) + = max ( x , 0 ) ; the bound follows from
1 p − 1 − min ( 1 , r − 1 ) p ≤ 1 p + ( ρ p − r ) + p . \frac{1}{p-1}-\frac{\min(1,r-1)}{p}\le\frac{1}{p}+\frac{(\rho_p-r)_+}{p}. p − 1 1 − p min ( 1 , r − 1 ) ≤ p 1 + p ( ρ p − r ) + .
It remains to control the total endpoint deficits. Let c j c_j c j be the coefficients of the monic normalization of y n ( t ) y_n(t) y n ( t ) . At 2 2 2 their exact valuations are
v 2 ( c j ) = 2 ( n − j ) + Ψ ( j ) , Ψ ( j ) = s 2 ( j ) − s 2 ( n ) + v 2 ( n + α n − j ) . v_2(c_j)=2(n-j)+\Psi(j),\qquad\Psi(j)=s_2(j)-s_2(n)+v_2\binom{n+\alpha}{n-j}. v 2 ( c j ) = 2 ( n − j ) + Ψ ( j ) , Ψ ( j ) = s 2 ( j ) − s 2 ( n ) + v 2 ( n − j n + α ) .
The generalized binomial coefficient is 2 2 2 -integral, so Ψ ( j ) ≥ − s 2 ( n ) \Psi(j)\ge-s_2(n) Ψ ( j ) ≥ − s 2 ( n ) , and Ψ ( n ) = 0 \Psi(n)=0 Ψ ( n ) = 0 . If W W W is the lower convex hull of the points ( j , Ψ ( j ) ) (j,\Psi(j)) ( j , Ψ ( j )) , then the Newton-polygon theorem gives
∑ i ( 2 − v 2 ( t i ) ) + = ∫ 0 n ( W ′ ( x ) ) + d x = W ( n ) − min W ≤ s 2 ( n ) . \sum_i(2-v_2(t_i))_+=\int_0^n(W'(x))_+\,dx=W(n)-\min W\le s_2(n). i ∑ ( 2 − v 2 ( t i ) ) + = ∫ 0 n ( W ′ ( x ) ) + d x = W ( n ) − min W ≤ s 2 ( n ) .
The middle equality follows from convexity: a convex function first decreases and then increases.
At 3 3 3 , the monic polynomial in z = 1 − t z=1-t z = 1 − t has coefficient valuations
3 2 ( n − j ) + 1 2 Φ ( j ) , Φ ( j ) = s 3 ( 2 j + δ ) + s 3 ( n − j ) − s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) . \frac{3}{2}(n-j)+\frac{1}{2}\Phi(j),\qquad\Phi(j)=s_3(2j+\delta)+s_3(n-j)-s_3(2n+\delta). 2 3 ( n − j ) + 2 1 Φ ( j ) , Φ ( j ) = s 3 ( 2 j + δ ) + s 3 ( n − j ) − s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) .
Here Φ ( j ) ≥ − s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) \Phi(j)\ge-s_3(2n+\delta) Φ ( j ) ≥ − s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) and Φ ( n ) = 0 \Phi(n)=0 Φ ( n ) = 0 . Applying the same positive-variation argument gives
∑ i ( 3 2 − v 3 ( 1 − t i ) ) + ≤ 1 2 s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) . \sum_i\left(\frac{3}{2}-v_3(1-t_i)\right)_+\le\frac{1}{2}s_3(2n+\delta). i ∑ ( 2 3 − v 3 ( 1 − t i ) ) + ≤ 2 1 s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) .
The leading coefficients of A , B A,B A , B are units at 2 , 3 2,3 2 , 3 , so the valuation of their resultant is the sum of the cross-factor root difference valuations. The sum of the minimum valuations is at most both e D p , A eD_{p,A} e D p , A and k D p , B kD_{p,B} k D p , B . Sum (62) , using the root of B B B for the deficit term. The sum is at most k e / p ke/p k e / p plus k / p k/p k / p times the total endpoint deficit among the roots of B B B , and hence among all roots of H n H_n H n . The two asserted inequalities follow. □
The archimedean comparison
The real roots lie in ( 0 , 1 ) (0,1) ( 0 , 1 ) . Their small Vandermonde product therefore makes the resultant large once the derivatives are bounded below. The leading coefficient of a factor contributes another positive term, because its values at 0 0 0 and 1 1 1 are nonzero integers. These are the same endpoint values that occur in the local bounds at 2 2 2 and 3 3 3 . Combining the bounds before optimizing eliminates the unknown way in which the two factors share the endpoint valuations. Retaining the Vandermonde term makes the final estimate uniform in the factor degree.
Write γ n = κ n / g n \gamma_n=\kappa_n/g_n γ n = κ n / g n , and set
D 2 , n = n + ∑ j = 1 n v 2 ( 3 j + λ ) , T 2 , n = D 2 , n log 2 / n . (63) D_{2,n}=n+\sum_{j=1}^{n}v_2(3j+\lambda), \qquad T_{2,n}=D_{2,n}\log2/n. \tag*{(63)} D 2 , n = n + j = 1 ∑ n v 2 ( 3 j + λ ) , T 2 , n = D 2 , n log 2/ n . (63)
D 3 , n = n + ∑ j = 1 n v 3 ( 2 j + μ ) , T 3 , n = D 3 , n log 3 / n . (64) D_{3,n}=n+\sum_{j=1}^{n}v_3(2j+\mu), \qquad T_{3,n}=D_{3,n}\log3/n. \tag*{(64)} D 3 , n = n + j = 1 ∑ n v 3 ( 2 j + μ ) , T 3 , n = D 3 , n log 3/ n . (64)
These are the endpoint valuations of H n H_n H n , and
D 2 , n = 2 n + O ( log n ) , D 3 , n = 3 2 n + O ( log n ) . (65) D_{2,n}=2n+O(\log n), \qquad D_{3,n}=\frac{3}{2}n+O(\log n). \tag*{(65)} D 2 , n = 2 n + O ( log n ) , D 3 , n = 2 3 n + O ( log n ) . (65)
Define
L n = log ( e T 2 , n + e T 3 , n ) , E = 1 2 log 2 + 1 3 log 3 , L_n=\log(e^{T_{2,n}}+e^{T_{3,n}}), \qquad E=\frac{1}{2}\log2+\frac{1}{3}\log3, L n = log ( e T 2 , n + e T 3 , n ) , E = 2 1 log 2 + 3 1 log 3 ,
J n = 1 2 s 2 ( n ) log 2 + 1 3 s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) log 3 , δ = ( μ + 1 ) / 2. (66) J_n=\frac{1}{2}s_2(n)\log2+\frac{1}{3}s_3(2n+\delta)\log3, \qquad\delta=(\mu+1)/2. \tag*{(66)} J n = 2 1 s 2 ( n ) log 2 + 3 1 s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) log 3 , δ = ( μ + 1 ) /2. (66)
Proposition 4.7. For every factorization H n = A B H_n=AB H n = A B with 1 ≤ k = deg A ≤ n / 2 1\leq k=\deg A\leq n/2 1 ≤ k = deg A ≤ n /2 ,
log R ( 6 ) k ≥ log ( 2 γ n C n ) − J n + ( n − 2 k ) L n \frac{\log R^{(6)}}{k}\geq\log(2\gamma_n\sqrt{C_n})-J_n+(n-2k)L_n k log R ( 6 ) ≥ log ( 2 γ n C n ) − J n + ( n − 2 k ) L n − ( n − k ) ( T 2 , n + T 3 , n + E ) + 2 ( k − 1 ) 2 k log 2 − log k . (67) -(n-k)(T_{2,n}+T_{3,n}+E)+\frac{2(k-1)^2}{k}\log2-\log k. \tag*{(67)} − ( n − k ) ( T 2 , n + T 3 , n + E ) + k 2 ( k − 1 ) 2 log 2 − log k . (67) Consequently, uniformly in all such factorizations,
log R ( 6 ) ≥ ( l − o ( 1 ) ) k n , l = log ( 4 + 3 3 ) − 1 2 log 2 − 1 3 log 3 − π 2 3 . (68) \log R^{(6)}\geq(\mathfrak{l}-o(1))kn,\qquad\mathfrak{l}=\log(4+3\sqrt{3})-\frac{1}{2}\log2-\frac{1}{3}\log3-\frac{\pi}{2\sqrt{3}}. \tag*{(68)} log R ( 6 ) ≥ ( l − o ( 1 )) k n , l = log ( 4 + 3 3 ) − 2 1 log 2 − 3 1 log 3 − 2 3 π . (68)
Proof. Let a = ∣ lc ( A ) ∣ a=|\operatorname{lc}(A)| a = ∣ lc ( A ) ∣ , e = n − k e=n-k e = n − k , and let t 1 , … , t k t_1,\ldots,t_k t 1 , … , t k be the roots of A A A . Differentiating H n = A B H_n=AB H n = A B at these roots gives the exact identity
R = a e − k ∏ i = 1 k ∣ H n ′ ( t i ) ∣ ∏ i < j ∣ t i − t j ∣ 2 . R=a^{e-k}\frac{\prod_{i=1}^{k}|H_n'(t_i)|}{\prod_{i<j}|t_i-t_j|^2}. R = a e − k ∏ i < j ∣ t i − t j ∣ 2 ∏ i = 1 k ∣ H n ′ ( t i ) ∣ .
Lemmas 2.1 and 2.5 therefore give
R ≥ a n − 2 k ( 2 γ n C n ) k k − k 2 ( k − 1 ) 2 . R\geq a^{n-2k}(2\gamma_n\sqrt{C_n})^k k^{-k}2^{(k-1)^2}. R ≥ a n − 2 k ( 2 γ n C n ) k k − k 2 ( k − 1 ) 2 .
By Hölder’s inequality,
( ∏ i t i ) 1 / k + ( ∏ i ( 1 − t i ) ) 1 / k ≤ 1. \left(\prod_i t_i\right)^{1/k}+\left(\prod_i(1-t_i)\right)^{1/k}\leq1. ( i ∏ t i ) 1/ k + ( i ∏ ( 1 − t i ) ) 1/ k ≤ 1.
Hence, with U = D 2 , A log 2 / k U=D_{2,A}\log2/k U = D 2 , A log 2/ k and V = D 3 , A log 3 / k V=D_{3,A}\log3/k V = D 3 , A log 3/ k ,
a 1 / k ≥ ∣ A ( 0 ) ∣ 1 / k + ∣ A ( 1 ) ∣ 1 / k ≥ e U + e V . (69) a^{1/k}\geq|A(0)|^{1/k}+|A(1)|^{1/k}\geq e^U+e^V. \tag*{(69)} a 1/ k ≥ ∣ A ( 0 ) ∣ 1/ k + ∣ A ( 1 ) ∣ 1/ k ≥ e U + e V . (69)
Put x = k / n x=k/n x = k / n . Since D p , n = D p , A + D p , B D_{p,n}=D_{p,A}+D_{p,B} D p , n = D p , A + D p , B ,
min ( e D 2 , A , k D 2 , B ) log 2 k n = min ( U , T 2 , n ) − x U , \frac{\min(e^{D_{2,A}},kD_{2,B})\log2}{kn}=\min(U,T_{2,n})-xU, k n min ( e D 2 , A , k D 2 , B ) log 2 = min ( U , T 2 , n ) − xU ,
and the analogous identity holds at 3. This exact expression allows either factor to contain an arbitrary share of the endpoint valuations. For 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 / 2 0 \le x \le1/2 0 ≤ x ≤ 1/2 , the function
( 1 − 2 x ) log ( e U + e V ) + x ( U + V ) − min ( U , T 2 ) − min ( V , T 3 ) (1-2x)\log(e^U+e^V)+x(U+V)-\min(U,T_2)-\min(V,T_3) ( 1 − 2 x ) log ( e U + e V ) + x ( U + V ) − min ( U , T 2 ) − min ( V , T 3 )
has its minimum at ( U , V ) = ( T 2 , T 3 ) (U,V)=(T_2,T_3) ( U , V ) = ( T 2 , T 3 ) . Indeed, with V V V fixed, its derivative is nonpositive below T 2 T_2 T 2 and nonnegative above:
( 1 − 2 x ) e U e U + e V + x − 1 ≤ 0 , ( 1 − 2 x ) e U e U + e V + x ≥ 0. (1-2x)\frac{e^U}{e^U+e^V}+x-1\le0,\qquad(1-2x)\frac{e^U}{e^U+e^V}+x\ge0. ( 1 − 2 x ) e U + e V e U + x − 1 ≤ 0 , ( 1 − 2 x ) e U + e V e U + x ≥ 0.
The same argument applies to V V V . Subtracting the two local resultant bounds of Proposition 4.6 and applying this minimum proves (67) .
To obtain the uniform asymptotic form, divide by n n n and use
2 ( k − 1 ) 2 k n log 2 = 2 x log 2 − 4 log 2 n + 2 log 2 k n . \frac{2(k-1)^2}{kn}\log2=2x\log2-\frac{4\log2}{n}+\frac{2\log2}{kn}. k n 2 ( k − 1 ) 2 log 2 = 2 x log 2 − n 4 log 2 + k n 2 log 2 .
Since J n = O ( log n ) J_n=O(\log n) J n = O ( log n ) and log k ≤ log n \log k\le\log n log k ≤ log n , the result is
log R k n ( 6 ) k n ≥ log γ n n + L n − T 2 , n − T 3 , n − E + x ( T 2 , n + T 3 , n + E − 2 L n + 2 log 2 ) − o ( 1 ) . \frac{\log R_{kn}^{(6)}}{kn}\ge\frac{\log\gamma_n}{n}+L_n-T_{2,n}-T_{3,n}-E+x(T_{2,n}+T_{3,n}+E-2L_n+2\log2)-o(1). k n log R k n ( 6 ) ≥ n log γ n + L n − T 2 , n − T 3 , n − E + x ( T 2 , n + T 3 , n + E − 2 L n + 2 log 2 ) − o ( 1 ) .
with an error independent of k k k . The coefficient of x x x is eventually positive. In fact, L n ≤ max ( T 2 , n , T 3 , n ) + log 2 L_n\le\max(T_{2,n},T_{3,n})+\log2 L n ≤ max ( T 2 , n , T 3 , n ) + log 2 shows that it is at least E − ∣ T 2 , n − T 3 , n ∣ E-\lvert T_{2,n}-T_{3,n}\rvert E − ∣ T 2 , n − T 3 , n ∣ , whose limit is
5 2 log 2 − 7 6 log 3 = 1 6 log 2 15 3 7 > 0. \frac{5}{2}\log2-\frac{7}{6}\log3=\frac{1}{6}\log\frac{2^{15}}{3^7}>0. 2 5 log 2 − 6 7 log 3 = 6 1 log 3 7 2 15 > 0.
We may discard this term. Now use Lemma 4.1 , Proposition 4.5, (11) , and (65) . The remaining expression tends to ℓ \ell ℓ , proving (68) . □
The two uniform bounds already imply eventual irreducibility, since
ℓ − u = log ( 4 + 3 3 ) − 1 2 log 2 − 1 3 log 3 − 43 20 + π 2 3 > 1 4 . (70) \ell-u=\log(4+3\sqrt{3})-\frac{1}{2}\log2-\frac{1}{3}\log3-\frac{43}{20}+\frac{\pi}{2\sqrt{3}}>\frac{1}{4}. \tag*{(70)} ℓ − u = log ( 4 + 3 3 ) − 2 1 log 2 − 3 1 log 3 − 20 43 + 2 3 π > 4 1 . (70)
For reference, ℓ = 0.5991078130 … \ell=0.5991078130\ldots ℓ = 0.5991078130 … , u = 0.3362006358 … u=0.3362006358\ldots u = 0.3362006358 … , and their difference is 0.2629071772 … 0.2629071772\ldots 0.2629071772 … . For an elementary verification of the rational bound, use
1732 1000 < 3 < 1733 1000 , π > 157 50 , log 3 > 549 500 , log 2 < 7 10 . \frac{1732}{1000}<\sqrt{3}<\frac{1733}{1000},\qquad\pi>\frac{157}{50},\qquad\log3>\frac{549}{500},\qquad\log2<\frac{7}{10}. 1000 1732 < 3 < 1000 1733 , π > 50 157 , log 3 > 500 549 , log 2 < 10 7 .
Since 4 + 3 3 > 9 ⋅ 2299 / 2250 4+3\sqrt{3}>9\cdot2299/2250 4 + 3 3 > 9 ⋅ 2299/2250 and log ( 1 + t ) > t / ( 1 + t ) \log(1+t)>t/(1+t) log ( 1 + t ) > t / ( 1 + t ) for t > 0 t>0 t > 0 , these bounds give
ℓ − u > 5 ⋅ 549 3 ⋅ 500 − 7 20 − 43 20 + 49 2299 + 1570 1733 > 1 4 . \ell-u>\frac{5\cdot549}{3\cdot500}-\frac{7}{20}-\frac{43}{20}+\frac{49}{2299}+\frac{1570}{1733}>\frac{1}{4}. ℓ − u > 3 ⋅ 500 5 ⋅ 549 − 20 7 − 20 43 + 2299 49 + 1733 1570 > 4 1 .
The logarithmic bounds follow, for example, from the positive-term series used in Appendix § 8 .§ 2 . Thus a proper factorization is impossible once n n n is sufficiently large, with no restriction on the degree of a possible factor. To obtain an all-degree theorem, we retain the finite terms in the same comparison.
An exact finite criterion
The resultant estimates give a finite criterion that does not require a factorization of the Jacobi polynomial. Use the quantities in (63) –(66) and the residue bounds of Lemma 4.2 , and put
S n = ∑ p p r i m e 5 ≤ p ≤ n E p ( n ) log p . S_n=\sum_{\substack{p\ \mathrm{prime}\\5\le p\le n}}E_p(n)\log p. S n = p prime 5 ≤ p ≤ n ∑ E p ( n ) log p .
e n d s m i d = 1 {ends_mid=1} e n d s m i d = 1
For z ≥ 1 z \ge1 z ≥ 1 , define
H n ( z ) = log ( 2 γ n C n ) − J n + ( n − 2 z ) L n − ( n − z ) ( T 2 , n + T 3 , n + E ) + 2 ( z − 1 ) 2 z log 2 − log z . (71) \mathcal{H}_n(z) = \log(2\gamma_n\sqrt{C_n}) - J_n + (n-2z)L_n - (n-z)(T_{2,n}+T_{3,n}+E) + \frac{2(z-1)^2}{z}\log2 - \log z. \tag*{(71)} H n ( z ) = log ( 2 γ n C n ) − J n + ( n − 2 z ) L n − ( n − z ) ( T 2 , n + T 3 , n + E ) + z 2 ( z − 1 ) 2 log 2 − log z . (71)
Proposition 4.8. Let n ≥ 11 n \ge11 n ≥ 11 . If
min 1 ≤ k ≤ ⌊ n / 2 ⌋ H n ( k ) > S n , \min_{1 \le k \le\lfloor n/2 \rfloor} \mathcal{H}_n(k) > S_n, 1 ≤ k ≤ ⌊ n /2 ⌋ min H n ( k ) > S n , then y n y_n y n is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q . More generally, the minimum may be restricted to any set known to contain all possible degrees of a nonconstant factor of degree at most n / 2 n/2 n /2 .
Proof. A nontrivial factorization would give S n ≥ log R ( 6 ) / k ≥ H n ( k ) S_n \ge\log R^{(6)}/k \ge\mathcal{H}_n(k) S n ≥ log R ( 6 ) / k ≥ H n ( k ) by Lemma 4.4 and (67) , a contradiction. □ \square □
The minimization is elementary. Set
a n = T 2 , n + T 3 , n + E − 2 L n + 2 log 2. a_n = T_{2,n} + T_{3,n} + E - 2L_n + 2\log2. a n = T 2 , n + T 3 , n + E − 2 L n + 2 log 2.
The part of H n ( z ) \mathcal{H}_n(z) H n ( z ) that depends on z z z is a n z + 2 log 2 / z − log z a_nz + 2\log2/z - \log z a n z + 2 log 2/ z − log z , which is strictly convex for z > 0 z > 0 z > 0 . If a n ≤ 0 a_n \le0 a n ≤ 0 it is decreasing. If a n > 0 a_n > 0 a n > 0 , its minimum is at
q n = 1 + 1 + 8 a n log 2 2 a n . q_n = \frac{1+\sqrt{1+8a_n\log2}}{2a_n}. q n = 2 a n 1 + 1 + 8 a n log 2 .
Thus on an interval of integer degrees it suffices to check the integers adjacent to the clipped value of q n q_n q n .
The criterion depends only on endpoint valuations, content, and finite sums over primes. Appendix § 8 .§ 2 uses a slightly weaker form in which the possible factor degree has been eliminated and every comparison reduces to an inequality between linear forms in logarithms.
Completion in every degree
Completion in every degree. Appendix § 8 proves irreducibility for n ≥ 250 000 n \ge250\,000 n ≥ 250 000 . The degrees 1 ≤ n ≤ 8332 1 \le n \le8332 1 ≤ n ≤ 8332 are covered by the published computation of Cullinan and Hajir [8 Remark 4.6] ; the conversion from their index to the degree is given in Appendix § 8 .§ 2 . For 8333 ≤ n ≤ 250 000 8333 \le n \le250\,000 8333 ≤ n ≤ 250 000 , two explicit inequalities from the resultant comparison are verified by integer arithmetic. Together these ranges give irreducibility in every degree.
Irreducibility in Theorem 1.1 . Proposition B.1 treats n ≥ 250 000 n \ge250\,000 n ≥ 250 000 , and Proposition B.2 treats 1 ≤ n ≤ 250 000 1 \le n \le250\,000 1 ≤ n ≤ 250 000 . The Galois assertion will follow from Theorem 5.12 . □ \square □
Galois groups and splitting fields
Irreducibility gives transitivity on the roots. The remaining task is to find enough permutations in the Galois group to determine it. We obtain these permutations from ramification at suitable primes. The first argument is common to the Legendre and Kaneko–Zagier families and extends to fixed rational parameters. For unequal integral parameters, a different local factorization gives a prime-length cycle. We also keep track of which roots each inertia element fixes. This support information will prove the splitting-field disjointness statements.
Inertia cycles and permutation groups
We call a permutation a single d d d -cycle if it cyclically permutes d d d points and fixes every other point; for d = 1 d = 1 d = 1 this means the identity. All valuations v p v_p v p are normalized by $v_p(p) = 1.
A local criterion
Under the hypotheses of the next lemma, the Newton polygon has a final edge of slope 1 / d 1/d 1/ d : exactly d d d roots have valuation − 1 / d -1/d − 1/ d , and all other roots have valuation zero. Passing to the reciprocal polynomial isolates the first set in an Eisenstein factor.
In a finite Galois extension of Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p , the inertia subgroup consists of the automorphisms acting trivially on the residue field. We want its action to be a single cycle on the isolated roots. The degree bound d < p d < p d < p makes this inertia action tame, and squarefree reduction puts all remaining roots in an unramified extension. Thus inertia fixes those roots. The lemma also records the effect of a quadratic substitution.
Lemma 5.1. Let f ( X ) = ∑ j = 0 N a j X j ∈ Z p [ X ] f(X) = \sum_{j=0}^{N} a_jX^j \in\mathbb{Z}_p[X] f ( X ) = ∑ j = 0 N a j X j ∈ Z p [ X ] have degree N N N . Assume that a 0 a_0 a 0 is a unit, v p ( a N ) = 1 v_p(a_N) = 1 v p ( a N ) = 1 , and the reduction f ‾ \overline{f} f is squarefree of degree N − d N-d N − d , where 1 ≤ d < p 1 \le d < p 1 ≤ d < p . Then an inertia subgroup of the Galois group of f f f over Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p contains a single d d d -cycle. The other N − d N-d N − d roots lie in an unramified extension of Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p .
If p p p is odd, c ∈ Z p × c \in\mathbb{Z}_p^\times c ∈ Z p × , and 2 d < p 2d < p 2 d < p , inertia for f ( c X 2 ) f(cX^2) f ( c X 2 ) contains a single 2 d 2d 2 d -cycle. Its image on the opposite root pairs is a single d d d -cycle, and its d d d th power interchanges exactly those d d d pairs.
Proof. The normalized reciprocal
R ( Y ) = Y N f ( 1 / Y ) a 0 R(Y) = \frac{Y^N f(1/Y)}{a_0} R ( Y ) = a 0 Y N f ( 1/ Y )
is monic and integral. Its reduction is Y d B ‾ ( Y ) Y^d\overline{B}(Y) Y d B ( Y ) , where B ‾ ( 0 ) ≠ 0 \overline{B}(0) \ne0 B ( 0 ) = 0 and B ‾ \overline{B} B is squarefree. Hensel factorization gives R = A B R = AB R = A B with A A A , B B B monic, deg A = d \deg A = d deg A = d , and A ≡ Y d ( m o d p ) A \equiv Y^d \pmod p A ≡ Y d ( mod p ) . Since B ( 0 ) B(0) B ( 0 ) is a unit and v p ( R ( 0 ) ) = 1 v_p(R(0)) = 1 v p ( R ( 0 )) = 1 , the polynomial A A A is Eisenstein. The roots of B B B lift over unramified extensions.
The polynomial A A A remains Eisenstein over every finite unramified extension. In particular, it is irreducible over the fixed field of inertia in the local splitting field. Thus inertia acts transitively on its d d d roots. Wild inertia is a p p p -group. It fixes the roots of B B B , and its faithful action on the remaining roots embeds it in S d S_d S d . Since d < p d < p d < p , this wild inertia group is trivial. The finite inertia group is therefore cyclic, and a generator is a single d d d -cycle. Inverting the roots proves the first assertion. The argument also covers B = 1 B = 1 B = 1 .
The reduction of f ( c X 2 ) f(cX^2) f ( c X 2 ) is squarefree: its constant term is a unit, f ‾ \overline{f} f is squarefree, and p ≠ 2 p \ne2 p = 2 . Its degree drops by 2 d 2d 2 d and its leading coefficient has valuation one. The first assertion gives a single 2 d 2d 2 d -cycle τ \tau τ . Negation commutes with every field automorphism and preserves the support of τ \tau τ . The centralizer of a full cycle on its support is cyclic. Hence negation, a fixed-point-free involution there, equals τ d \tau^d τ d . This proves both assertions about the opposite pairs. □ \square □
Jacobi coefficients and reduction
The normalization (1) satisfies
P n ( α , β ) ( 2 X + 1 ) = ∑ j = 0 n ( n + α n − j ) ( n + α + β + j j ) X j , (72) P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(2X+1)=\sum_{j=0}^{n}\binom{n+\alpha}{n-j}\binom{n+\alpha+\beta+j}{j}X^j, \tag*{(72)} P n ( α , β ) ( 2 X + 1 ) = j = 0 ∑ n ( n − j n + α ) ( j n + α + β + j ) X j , (72)
P n ( α , β ) ( 1 ) = ( n + α n ) , P n ( α , β ) ( − 1 ) = ( − 1 ) n ( n + β n ) , (73) P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(1)=\binom{n+\alpha}{n}, \qquad P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(-1)=(-1)^n\binom{n+\beta}{n}, \tag*{(73)} P n ( α , β ) ( 1 ) = ( n n + α ) , P n ( α , β ) ( − 1 ) = ( − 1 ) n ( n n + β ) , (73)
and its differential equation is
( 1 − X 2 ) y ′ ′ + [ β − α − ( α + β + 2 ) X ] y ′ + n ( n + α + β + 1 ) y = 0. (74) (1-X^2)y''+[\beta-\alpha-(\alpha+\beta+2)X]y'+n(n+\alpha+\beta+1)y=0. \tag*{(74)} ( 1 − X 2 ) y ′′ + [ β − α − ( α + β + 2 ) X ] y ′ + n ( n + α + β + 1 ) y = 0. (74)
These identities follow from the binomial expansion and hold as polynomial identities in the parameters; see also [22 ] , Eqs. 18.5.7–18.5.8 and Table 18.8.1.
Write α = a / u \alpha=a/u α = a / u , β = b / v \beta=b/v β = b / v , where a , b ∈ Z a,b \in\mathbb{Z} a , b ∈ Z and u , v u,v u , v are positive integers, and choose a positive integer D D D such that
r = D ( α + β ) ∈ Z . (75) r = D(\alpha+\beta) \in\mathbb{Z}. \tag*{(75)} r = D ( α + β ) ∈ Z . (75)
Equation (72) gives the integral normalization
K n α , β ( X ) : = u n n ! P n ( α , β ) ( 1 + 2 D u X ) = ∑ j = 0 n ( n j ) ∏ k = j + 1 n ( u k + a ) ∏ k = 1 j ( D n + r + D k ) X j . (76) \begin{aligned}
K_n^{\alpha,\beta}(X) := u^n n!P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}\left(1+\frac{2D}{u}X\right) \\
&= \sum_{j=0}^{n}\binom{n}{j}\prod_{k=j+1}^{n}(uk+a)\prod_{k=1}^{j}(Dn+r+Dk)X^j. \tag*{(76)}
\end{aligned} K n α , β ( X ) := u n n ! P n ( α , β ) ( 1 + u 2 D X ) = j = 0 ∑ n ( j n ) k = j + 1 ∏ n ( u k + a ) k = 1 ∏ j ( D n + r + D k ) X j . (76)
This normalization separates the factors involving α \alpha α from those involving α + β \alpha+\beta α + β . We choose p p p so that the first product consists of units, while the second product encounters p p p exactly once. From that coefficient onward, every coefficient has valuation one. The degree of the reduction therefore gives the length of the inertia cycle. The Jacobi differential equation will show that this reduction is squarefree, completing the local criterion.
Proposition 5.2. Let p p p be an odd prime satisfying
p > n , p ∤ u v D , 0 < ∣ u k + a ∣ < p , 0 < ∣ v k + b ∣ < p ( 1 ≤ k ≤ n ) . (77) p>n,\qquad p\nmid uvD,\qquad0<|uk+a|<p,\qquad0<|vk+b|<p\quad(1\le k\le n). \tag*{(77)} p > n , p ∤ uv D , 0 < ∣ u k + a ∣ < p , 0 < ∣ v k + b ∣ < p ( 1 ≤ k ≤ n ) . (77) 0 < D ( n + 1 ) + r , 2 D n + r < 2 p , p ≡ r ( m o d D ) . (78) 0<D(n+1)+r,\qquad2Dn+r<2p,\qquad p\equiv r\pmod D. \tag*{(78)} 0 < D ( n + 1 ) + r , 2 D n + r < 2 p , p ≡ r ( mod D ) . (78) Suppose
1 ≤ k 0 : = p − r D − n ≤ n , d : = n − k 0 + 1. 1\le k_0:=\frac{p-r}{D}-n\le n,\qquad d:=n-k_0+1. 1 ≤ k 0 := D p − r − n ≤ n , d := n − k 0 + 1. Then an inertia subgroup at p p p of Gal ( P n ( α , β ) / Q ) \operatorname{Gal}(P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}/\mathbb{Q}) Gal ( P n ( α , β ) / Q ) contains a single d d d -cycle. If c ∈ Q × c\in\mathbb{Q}^{\times} c ∈ Q × , v p ( c ) = 0 v_p(c)=0 v p ( c ) = 0 , and 2 d < p 2d<p 2 d < p , an inertia subgroup at p p p of Gal ( P n ( α , β ) ( 1 + c X 2 ) / Q ) \operatorname{Gal}(P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(1+cX^2)/\mathbb{Q}) Gal ( P n ( α , β ) ( 1 + c X 2 ) / Q ) contains a single 2 d 2d 2 d -cycle, with the action on opposite pairs described in Lemma 5.1 .
Proof. In (76) , the binomial coefficients and the first product are p p p -adic units. Every factor in the second product lies in ( 0 , 2 p ) (0,2p) ( 0 , 2 p ) . Exactly one is divisible by p p p , namely the factor with index k 0 k_0 k 0 , and it equals p p p . The coefficient valuations are therefore zero for j < k 0 j<k_0 j < k 0 and one for j ≥ k 0 j\ge k_0 j ≥ k 0 . In particular, the constant coefficient is a unit, the leading coefficient has valuation one, and the reduction has degree k 0 − 1 = n − d k_0-1=n-d k 0 − 1 = n − d .
It remains to prove that this reduction is squarefree. The Jacobi polynomial and (74) are integral at p p p , and both endpoint values in (73) are units by (77) . Its reduction has degree at most n < p n<p n < p . If a root z ≠ ± 1 z\ne\pm1 z = ± 1 had multiplicity h ≥ 2 h\ge2 h ≥ 2 , write y ˉ = ( X − z ) h g ( X ) \bar y=(X-z)^h g(X) y ˉ = ( X − z ) h g ( X ) with g ( z ) ≠ 0 g(z)\ne0 g ( z ) = 0 . Since 2 ≤ h < p 2\le h<p 2 ≤ h < p , the coefficient of ( X − z ) h − 2 (X-z)^{h-2} ( X − z ) h − 2 in the reduced differential equation would be
( 1 − z 2 ) h ( h − 1 ) g ( z ) ≠ 0 , (1-z^2)h(h-1)g(z)\ne0, ( 1 − z 2 ) h ( h − 1 ) g ( z ) = 0 ,
a contradiction. Thus the reduction is squarefree. The scalar and affine transformation in (76) are units at p p p , so the reduction of K n α , β K_n^{\alpha,\beta} K n α , β is squarefree as well.
Lemma 5.1 now gives a single d d d -cycle. A local Galois group identifies with a decomposition subgroup of the global group, so this is also a global Galois element. For the quadratic assertion, use
P n ( α , β ) ( 1 + c X 2 ) = ( u n n ! ) − 1 K n α , β ( u c 2 D X 2 ) P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(1+cX^2)=(u^n n!)^{-1}K_n^{\alpha,\beta}\left(\frac{uc}{2D}X^2\right) P n ( α , β ) ( 1 + c X 2 ) = ( u n n ! ) − 1 K n α , β ( 2 D u c X 2 )
and apply the second part of that lemma. □
Blocks and opposite pairs
A block system for a transitive group is a partition into equally sized sets permuted by the group. It is nontrivial when the block size is strictly between 1 1 1 and the degree; a transitive group is primitive if it has no such system.
A cycle moving more than half the roots places a simple restriction on a nontrivial block system: every block meeting the support of the cycle must lie entirely in that support. The block size must therefore divide the cycle length.
Lemma 5.3. Let a transitive group of degree N N N preserve a nontrivial block system with blocks of size b b b . If it contains a single d d d -cycle with d > N / 2 d>N/2 d > N /2 , then b ∣ d b\mid d b ∣ d .
Proof. We have b ≤ N / 2 < d b \le N/2 < d b ≤ N /2 < d . A block containing a fixed point of the cycle is fixed setwise, because it intersects its image. If it also contained a moved point, it would contain the entire orbit of that point, which has size d > b d > b d > b . Thus the support of the cycle is a union of whole blocks, and b ∣ d b \mid d b ∣ d . □
Once primitivity is known, a single cycle with at least three fixed points forces the alternating group. We use Jones’s theorem in this form; the cycle length need not be prime.
Theorem 5.4 (Jones [17 Corollary 1.3] ). A primitive permutation group of degree N N N containing a nontrivial single cycle with at least three fixed points contains A N A_N A N .
This form of Jones’s theorem uses the classification of finite simple groups. The prime-length case used later is Jordan’s classical theorem.
For roots occurring in opposite pairs, the largest possible group has two parts: permutations of the pairs and interchanges within each pair. Even after the group on pairs is known to be S N S_N S N , the interchanges may satisfy a relation. A single 2 d 2d 2 d -cycle with odd d < N d < N d < N removes this obstruction. Its d d d th power flips a nonempty proper set of an odd number of pairs, and permutations of the pairs generate every sign vector from this one vector.
Lemma 5.5. Let Γ ≤ F 2 N ⋊ S N \Gamma\le\mathbb{F}_2^N \rtimes S_N Γ ≤ F 2 N ⋊ S N project onto S N S_N S N . Suppose Γ \Gamma Γ contains an element that is a single 2 d 2d 2 d -cycle on d d d opposite pairs and fixes all other roots, where d d d is odd and 1 ≤ d < N 1 \le d < N 1 ≤ d < N . Then Γ = F 2 N ⋊ S N \Gamma= \mathbb{F}_2^N \rtimes S_N Γ = F 2 N ⋊ S N .
Proof. Let V V V be the kernel of the projection. The d d d th power of the given element belongs to V V V and flips precisely its d d d pairs. It is therefore a vector v v v of odd weight with nonempty proper support. For each permutation in S N S_N S N , choose a lift in Γ \Gamma Γ ; conjugation by that lift preserves V V V and permutes its coordinates accordingly. If i i i is in the support and j j j is outside, then v + ( i j ) v = e i + e j v + (ij)v = e_i + e_j v + ( ij ) v = e i + e j belongs to V V V . Conjugating by lifts of S N S_N S N supplies e k + e l e_k + e_l e k + e l for every k ≠ l k \ne l k = l . These vectors span the even-weight subspace. Together with v v v they span F 2 N \mathbb{F}_2^N F 2 N . Thus V = F 2 N V = \mathbb{F}_2^N V = F 2 N , and the surjective projection gives the assertion. □
We will also use these local permutations to control common subfields. Restriction to a Galois subfield has a normal kernel. The next lemma shows that certain supported cycles cannot lie in a proper normal subgroup of the groups under consideration. Thus local elements that fix one field can force the entire group to fix its intersection with another field.
Lemma 5.6. Let N ≥ 3 N \ge3 N ≥ 3 .
A normal subgroup of S N S_N S N containing a single cycle of even length d d d , with 2 ≤ d < N 2 \le d < N 2 ≤ d < N , is S N S_N S N .
A normal subgroup of C 2 ≀ S N C_2 \wr S_N C 2 ≀ S N containing single 2 d 2d 2 d -cycles on opposite pairs for two proper lengths 1 ≤ d < N 1 \le d < N 1 ≤ d < N , one even and one odd, is C 2 ≀ S N C_2 \wr S_N C 2 ≀ S N .
Proof. For the first assertion, let H ◃ S N H \triangleleft S_N H ◃ S N contain such a cycle σ \sigma σ . Choose i i i moved by σ \sigma σ and j j j fixed by it. Normality gives
σ ( i j ) σ − 1 ( i j ) = ( σ ( i ) j ) ( i j ) ∈ H . \sigma(ij)\sigma^{-1}(ij) = (\sigma(i)j)(ij) \in H. σ ( ij ) σ − 1 ( ij ) = ( σ ( i ) j ) ( ij ) ∈ H .
This is a 3-cycle. Its conjugates generate A N A_N A N , and σ \sigma σ is odd, so H = S N H = S_N H = S N .
For the second assertion, the image of the normal subgroup in S N S_N S N is normal and contains a single cycle of even proper length. The first assertion makes this image S N S_N S N . The cycle with odd d d d then gives the full sign kernel by Lemma 5.5. □
An explicit prime-counting criterion
The local cycle lengths convert a possible block size b b b into a congruence condition on p p p modulo D b Db D b . We show that the eligible primes cannot all satisfy that condition. For the smallest block sizes we find primes in another reduced class; for intermediate sizes Brun–Titchmarsh bounds the number in the forced class; and for large sizes counting integers already gives a contradiction. The explicit threshold below overlaps the published finite Galois verifications for both the Legendre and Kaneko–Zagier families.
Proposition 5.7. Let D ∈ { 2 , 6 } D \in\{2,6\} D ∈ { 2 , 6 } , let r ∈ Z r \in\mathbb{Z} r ∈ Z satisfy ∣ r ∣ < D |r|<D ∣ r ∣ < D and ( r , D ) = 1 (r,D)=1 ( r , D ) = 1 , and let n ≥ 10 6 n \ge10^6 n ≥ 1 0 6 . Put
P D , r ( n ) = { p prime : D n + 10 D < p < 3 D n / 2 , p ≡ r ( m o d D ) } . \mathcal{P}_{D,r}(n)=\{p\ \text{prime}: Dn+10D<p<3Dn/2,\ p\equiv r\pmod{D}\}. P D , r ( n ) = { p prime : D n + 10 D < p < 3 D n /2 , p ≡ r ( mod D )} . Suppose that G ≤ S n G\le S_n G ≤ S n is transitive and contains a single d p d_p d p -cycle for every p ∈ P D , r ( n ) p\in\mathcal{P}_{D,r}(n) p ∈ P D , r ( n ) , where
d p = 2 n + 1 − p − r D . d_p=2n+1-\frac{p-r}{D}. d p = 2 n + 1 − D p − r . Then G = S n G=S_n G = S n .
Proof. Write L = log n L=\log n L = log n and c D = D / ( 2 φ ( D ) ) c_D=D/(2\varphi(D)) c D = D / ( 2 φ ( D )) , where φ \varphi φ is Euler’s totient function; thus c 2 = 1 c_2=1 c 2 = 1 and c 6 = 3 / 2 c_6=3/2 c 6 = 3/2 . Here π ( x ; q , a ) \pi(x;q,a) π ( x ; q , a ) counts primes at most x x x in the class a a a modulo q q q , and Li ( x ) = ∫ 2 x d t log t \operatorname{Li}(x)=\int_2^x \frac{\mathrm{d}t}{\log t} Li ( x ) = ∫ 2 x l o g t d t . We use
∣ π ( x ; q , a ) − Li ( x ) φ ( q ) ∣ < 0.027 x log 2 x ( x ≥ 10 6 , 1 ≤ q ≤ 10 5 , ( a , q ) = 1 ) , (79) \left|\pi(x;q,a)-\frac{\operatorname{Li}(x)}{\varphi(q)}\right|<0.027\frac{x}{\log^2 x}\qquad(x\ge10^6,\ 1\le q\le10^5,\ (a,q)=1), \tag*{(79)} π ( x ; q , a ) − φ ( q ) Li ( x ) < 0.027 log 2 x x ( x ≥ 1 0 6 , 1 ≤ q ≤ 1 0 5 , ( a , q ) = 1 ) , (79)
from [3 Corollary 1.7] . Only moduli at most 18 occur in applications of (79) below.
The interval ( D n , 3 D n / 2 ) (Dn,3Dn/2) ( D n , 3 D n /2 ) has length D n / 2 Dn/2 D n /2 and its upper endpoint is composite. Subtracting the endpoint counts and discarding at most 10 D 10D 10 D integers gives
T : = ∣ P D , r ( n ) ∣ > D n 2 φ ( D ) ( L + log ( 3 D / 2 ) ) − 0.0675 D n L 2 − 10 D ≥ c D n L ( L L + log 9 − 0.27 L − 40 L n ) > 0.84 c D n L . (80) \begin{aligned}
T:=|\mathcal{P}_{D,r}(n)|>\frac{Dn}{2\varphi(D)(L+\log(3D/2))}-\frac{0.0675Dn}{L^2}-10D \\
&\ge c_D\frac{n}{L}\left(\frac{L}{L+\log9}-\frac{0.27}{L}-\frac{40L}{n}\right)>0.84c_D\frac{n}{L}. \tag*{(80)}
\end{aligned} T := ∣ P D , r ( n ) ∣ > 2 φ ( D ) ( L + log ( 3 D /2 )) D n − L 2 0.0675 D n − 10 D ≥ c D L n ( L + log 9 L − L 0.27 − n 40 L ) > 0.84 c D L n . (80)
The expression in parentheses increases with n n n . At n = 10 6 n=10^6 n = 1 0 6 , use 69 / 5 < log ( 10 6 ) < 691 / 50 69/5<\log(10^6)<691/50 69/5 < log ( 1 0 6 ) < 691/50 and log 9 < 11 / 5 \log9<11/5 log 9 < 11/5 to bound it below by
69 80 − 9 460 − 691 1250000 > 21 25 . \frac{69}{80}-\frac{9}{460}-\frac{691}{1250000}>\frac{21}{25}. 80 69 − 460 9 − 1250000 691 > 25 21 .
For b = 2 , 3 b=2,3 b = 2 , 3 and any reduced class a a a modulo D b Db D b , the same estimate gives
# { p : D n + 10 D < p < 3 D n / 2 , p ≡ a ( m o d D b ) } > n 2 ( L + log 9 ) − 0.405 n L 2 − 60 > 0.4 n L . (81) \#\{p:Dn+10D<p<3Dn/2,\ p\equiv a\pmod{Db}\}
>\frac{n}{2(L+\log9)}-\frac{0.405n}{L^2}-60>0.4\frac{n}{L}. \tag*{(81)} # { p : D n + 10 D < p < 3 D n /2 , p ≡ a ( mod D b )} > 2 ( L + log 9 ) n − L 2 0.405 n − 60 > 0.4 L n . (81)
Indeed, D / ( 2 φ ( D b ) ) ≥ 1 / 2 D/(2\varphi(Db))\ge1/2 D / ( 2 φ ( D b )) ≥ 1/2 and D ≤ 6 D\le6 D ≤ 6 . After multiplication by L / n L/n L / n , the lower bound increases with n n n . At 10 6 10^6 1 0 6 it is greater than
69 160 − 27 920 − 2073 2500000 > 2 5 . \frac{69}{160}-\frac{27}{920}-\frac{2073}{2500000}>\frac{2}{5}. 160 69 − 920 27 − 2500000 2073 > 5 2 .
In particular, both reduced classes r r r and r + D r+D r + D modulo 2 D 2D 2 D contain primes in the interval.
Suppose that G G G preserves blocks of size b b b , with 2 ≤ b ≤ n / 2 2\le b\le n/2 2 ≤ b ≤ n /2 and b ∣ n b\mid n b ∣ n . Since ∣ r ∣ < D |r|<D ∣ r ∣ < D , the cycle lengths satisfy
n / 2 < d p ≤ n − 9. n/2<d_p\le n-9. n /2 < d p ≤ n − 9.
Lemma 5.3 gives b ∣ d p b\mid d_p b ∣ d p for every eligible prime. Hence
p = D ( 2 n + 1 − d p ) + r ≡ D + r ( m o d D b ) . (82) p=D(2n+1-d_p)+r\equiv D+r\pmod{Db}. \tag*{(82)} p = D ( 2 n + 1 − d p ) + r ≡ D + r ( mod D b ) . (82)
This class is reduced: otherwise every prime in it would divide D b ≤ D n / 2 Db\le Dn/2 D b ≤ D n /2 , whereas p > D n p>Dn p > D n .
If b = 2 b=2 b = 2 or 3 3 3 , reduction modulo D D D has at least two reduced classes modulo D b Db D b above r r r . In fact the fiber size φ ( D b ) / φ ( D ) \varphi(Db)/\varphi(D) φ ( D b ) / φ ( D ) is 2 2 2 or 3 3 3 . Choose a class different from (82) ; the positive lower bound (81) is a contradiction.
If 4 ≤ b ≤ n 1 / 4 4\le b\le n^{1/4} 4 ≤ b ≤ n 1/4 , then
φ ( D b ) ≥ 4 φ ( D ) . \varphi(Db)\ge4\varphi(D). φ ( D b ) ≥ 4 φ ( D ) .
::: For D = 2 D=2 D = 2 this follows from φ ( 2 b ) ≥ 4 \varphi(2b)\ge4 φ ( 2 b ) ≥ 4 ; for D = 6 D=6 D = 6 , use also φ ( 6 b ) / 2 ≥ φ ( 2 b ) \varphi(6b)/2\ge\varphi(2b) φ ( 6 b ) /2 ≥ φ ( 2 b ) . The short-interval Brun–Titchmarsh inequality states that
π ( x + y ; q , a ) − π ( x ; q , a ) < 2 y φ ( q ) log ( y / q ) ( y > q , ( a , q ) = 1 ) ; (83) \pi(x+y;q,a)-\pi(x;q,a)<\frac{2y}{\varphi(q)\log(y/q)}\qquad(y>q,\ (a,q)=1); \tag*{(83)} π ( x + y ; q , a ) − π ( x ; q , a ) < φ ( q ) log ( y / q ) 2 y ( y > q , ( a , q ) = 1 ) ; (83)
see [21 Theorem 2, Eq. (1.10)] . With y = D n / 2 y=Dn/2 y = D n /2 and q = D b q=Db q = D b , it yields
T < D n φ ( D b ) log ( n / ( 2 b ) ) ≤ D n 4 φ ( D ) ( 3 L / 4 − log 2 ) = c D n L L 2 ( 3 L / 4 − log 2 ) < 0.75 c D n L , \begin{aligned}
T<\frac{Dn}{\varphi(Db)\log(n/(2b))} \\
&\le\frac{Dn}{4\varphi(D)(3L/4-\log2)}=c_D\frac{n}{L}\frac{L}{2(3L/4-\log2)}<0.75c_D\frac{n}{L},
\end{aligned} T < φ ( D b ) log ( n / ( 2 b )) D n ≤ 4 φ ( D ) ( 3 L /4 − log 2 ) D n = c D L n 2 ( 3 L /4 − log 2 ) L < 0.75 c D L n ,
contradicting (80) . The last normalized factor decreases with n n n . At 10 6 10^6 1 0 6 , the bounds L > 69 / 5 L>69/5 L > 69/5 and log 2 < 7 / 10 \log2<7/10 log 2 < 7/10 make it less than 138 / 193 < 3 / 4 138/193<3/4 138/193 < 3/4 .
Finally, if b > n 1 / 4 b>n^{1/4} b > n 1/4 , counting integers in the class (82) gives
T ≤ n 2 b + 1 < 1 2 n 3 / 4 + 1 < 0.25 n L ≤ 0.25 c D n L , T\le\frac{n}{2b}+1<\frac{1}{2}n^{3/4}+1<0.25\frac{n}{L}\le0.25c_D\frac{n}{L}, T ≤ 2 b n + 1 < 2 1 n 3/4 + 1 < 0.25 L n ≤ 0.25 c D L n ,
again a contradiction. Here L / ( 2 n 1 / 4 ) + L / n L/(2n^{1/4})+L/n L / ( 2 n 1/4 ) + L / n decreases for n ≥ 10 6 n\ge10^6 n ≥ 1 0 6 . At the left endpoint, n 1 / 4 > 158 / 5 n^{1/4}>158/5 n 1/4 > 158/5 and L < 691 / 50 L<691/50 L < 691/50 give the upper bound
691 3160 + 691 50000000 < 1 4 . \frac{691}{3160}+\frac{691}{50000000}<\frac{1}{4}. 3160 691 + 50000000 691 < 4 1 .
Thus G G G is primitive.
Every cycle under consideration is nontrivial and fixes at least nine points. Theorem 5.4 gives A n ≤ G A_n\le G A n ≤ G . Choose a prime in the class r + D r+D r + D modulo 2 D 2D 2 D , using (81) . Then ( p − r ) / D (p-r)/D ( p − r ) / D is odd and d p d_p d p is even. Its cycle is an odd permutation, so G = S n G=S_n G = S n . □
Remark 5.8. The strict comparisons needed in this proof follow from elementary monotonicity and the bounds
13.8 < log ( 10 6 ) < 13.82 , log 9 < 2.2 , log 2 < 0.7 , ( 10 6 ) 1 / 4 > 31.6. 13.8<\log(10^6)<13.82,\qquad\log9<2.2,\qquad\log2<0.7,\qquad(10^6)^{1/4}>31.6. 13.8 < log ( 1 0 6 ) < 13.82 , log 9 < 2.2 , log 2 < 0.7 , ( 1 0 6 ) 1/4 > 31.6.
Thus the numerical threshold requires no additional finite computation.
The Legendre Galois group
We first replace each opposite pair of nonzero Legendre roots by its common square. The resulting degree-n n n polynomial determines the group on pairs. The local quadratic cycles then recover the independent interchanges within the pairs. We use the variable T = − X 2 T=-X^2 T = − X 2 for the quotient polynomial, which gives the following convenient integral normalization.
For ϵ = 2 δ − 1 \epsilon=2\delta-1 ϵ = 2 δ − 1 , put
J n ϵ ( T ) = ∑ j = 0 n ( n j ) ∏ k = 1 n ( 2 j + 2 k + ϵ ) T j . (84) J_n^\epsilon(T)=\sum_{j=0}^{n}\binom{n}{j}\prod_{k=1}^{n}(2j+2k+\epsilon)T^j. \tag*{(84)} J n ϵ ( T ) = j = 0 ∑ n ( j n ) k = 1 ∏ n ( 2 j + 2 k + ϵ ) T j . (84)
Coefficient comparison gives
J n ϵ ( − X 2 ) = ( − 2 ) n n ! L 2 n + δ ( X ) . (85) J_n^\epsilon(-X^2)=(-2)^n n!L_{2n+\delta}(X). \tag*{(85)} J n ϵ ( − X 2 ) = ( − 2 ) n n ! L 2 n + δ ( X ) . (85)
Theorem 5.9. Let n ≥ 1 n\ge1 n ≥ 1 , δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } , and ϵ = 2 δ − 1 \epsilon=2\delta-1 ϵ = 2 δ − 1 . If J n ϵ J_n^\epsilon J n ϵ is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q , then
Gal ( J n ϵ / Q ) = S n , Gal ( L 2 n + δ / Q ) = W n . \operatorname{Gal}(J_n^\epsilon/\mathbb{Q})=S_n,\qquad\operatorname{Gal}(L_{2n+\delta}/\mathbb{Q})=W_n. Gal ( J n ϵ / Q ) = S n , Gal ( L 2 n + δ / Q ) = W n . In particular, J n ϵ J_n^\epsilon J n ϵ and L 2 n + δ L_{2n+\delta} L 2 n + δ are irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q simultaneously.
These are the two conditional Galois assertions in [7 Conjecture 1.5] . The irreducibility equivalence was proved in [7 Lemma 1.3] ; the proof below also establishes it directly.
The integral polynomial in (84) is the specialization of (76) with D = 2 D=2 D = 2 :
J n ϵ ( T ) = 2 n n ! P n ( ϵ / 2 , 0 ) ( 2 T + 1 ) . (86) J_n^\epsilon(T)=2^n n!P_n^{(\epsilon/2,0)}(2T+1). \tag*{(86)} J n ϵ ( T ) = 2 n n ! P n ( ϵ /2 , 0 ) ( 2 T + 1 ) . (86)
Indeed, the two products in (76) concatenate to the product in (84) . Together with the classical quadratic transformation, this proves (85) ; see [7 Lemma 1.2] .
Lemma 5.10. Let N = 2 n + δ N=2n+\delta N = 2 n + δ , ϵ = 2 δ − 1 \epsilon=2\delta-1 ϵ = 2 δ − 1 , and let p p p be a prime with N < p ≤ 4 n + ϵ N<p\le4n+\epsilon N < p ≤ 4 n + ϵ . Put
d = 2 n + 1 − p − ϵ 2 . d=2n+1-\frac{p-\epsilon}{2}. d = 2 n + 1 − 2 p − ϵ . Then 1 ≤ d ≤ n 1\le d\le n 1 ≤ d ≤ n . The group of L N L_N L N contains a single 2 d 2d 2 d -cycle, whose image on opposite pairs is a single d d d -cycle and whose d d d th power flips exactly those d d d pairs.
Proof. Apply Proposition 5.2 with ( a , u , b , v ) = ( ϵ , 2 , 0 , 1 ) (a,u,b,v)=(\epsilon,2,0,1) ( a , u , b , v ) = ( ϵ , 2 , 0 , 1 ) and D = 2 D=2 D = 2 . The factors 2 k + ϵ 2k+\epsilon 2 k + ϵ and k k k are positive and less than p p p . The factors 2 n + ϵ + 2 k 2n+\epsilon+2k 2 n + ϵ + 2 k are positive and at most 4 n + ϵ < 2 p 4n+\epsilon<2p 4 n + ϵ < 2 p , and k 0 = ( p − ϵ ) / 2 − n k_0=(p-\epsilon)/2-n k 0 = ( p − ϵ ) /2 − n belongs to [ 1 , n ] [1,n] [ 1 , n ] . Moreover,
2 d = 4 n + 2 + ϵ − p < p . 2d=4n+2+\epsilon-p<p. 2 d = 4 n + 2 + ϵ − p < p .
For δ = 0 \delta=0 δ = 0 , the last inequality follows from p ≥ 2 n + 1 p\ge2n+1 p ≥ 2 n + 1 ; for δ = 1 \delta=1 δ = 1 , it follows from p ≥ 2 n + 3 p\ge2n+3 p ≥ 2 n + 3 . Use the quadratic statement of Proposition 5.2 with c = − 2 c=-2 c = − 2 in (86) , and then (85) . □
Lemma 5.11. For every n ≥ 4 n\ge4 n ≥ 4 and ϵ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } \epsilon\in\{-1,1\} ϵ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } , a prime as in Lemma 5.10 can be chosen so that d d d is odd and 1 ≤ d < n 1\le d<n 1 ≤ d < n .
Proof. Cullinan and Hajir [7 Lemma 2.2] prove that every real x ≥ 9 x\ge9 x ≥ 9 has primes of both odd residue classes modulo 4 4 4 in [ x , 2 x − 5 ] [x,2x-5] [ x , 2 x − 5 ] . Take the even integer x = 2 n + 3 + ϵ x=2n+3+\epsilon x = 2 n + 3 + ϵ and choose p ≡ ϵ ( m o d 4 ) p\equiv\epsilon\pmod{4} p ≡ ϵ ( mod 4 ) in that interval. Since p p p is odd, p > x p>x p > x . If ϵ = − 1 \epsilon=-1 ϵ = − 1 , the upper endpoint is 4 n − 1 4n-1 4 n − 1 . If ϵ = 1 \epsilon=1 ϵ = 1 , it is 4 n + 3 4n+3 4 n + 3 , and the congruence forces p ≤ 4 n + 1 p\le4n+1 p ≤ 4 n + 1 . Thus
2 n + 2 + ϵ < p ≤ 4 n + ϵ . 2n+2+\epsilon<p\le4n+\epsilon. 2 n + 2 + ϵ < p ≤ 4 n + ϵ .
These inequalities give 1 ≤ d < n 1\le d<n 1 ≤ d < n , and the congruence makes ( p − ϵ ) / 2 (p-\epsilon)/2 ( p − ϵ ) /2 even, so d d d is odd. □
Proof of Theorem 5.9. Assume that J n ϵ J_n^\epsilon J n ϵ is irreducible, so its Galois group is transitive. If n ≥ 10 6 n\ge10^6 n ≥ 1 0 6 , every prime in P 2 , ϵ ( n ) \mathcal{P}_{2,\epsilon}(n) P 2 , ϵ ( n ) satisfies Lemma 5.10. Its action on pairs gives the cycle required by Proposition 5.7, which yields Gal ( J n ϵ / Q ) = S n \operatorname{Gal}(J_n^\epsilon/\mathbb{Q})=S_n Gal ( J n ϵ / Q ) = S n . For n < 10 6 n<10^6 n < 1 0 6 , this implication is contained in the finite verification of [7 Theorem 1.9(a)] , which covers every n ≤ 10 9 n\le10^9 n ≤ 1 0 9 . Hence the quotient group is S n S_n S n in every degree.
The nonzero Legendre roots are distinct and occur in n n n opposite pairs. Therefore their group Γ \Gamma Γ embeds in F 2 n ⋊ S n \mathbb{F}_2^n\rtimes S_n F 2 n ⋊ S n . Restriction to the field generated by their squares gives a surjection onto Gal ( J n ϵ / Q ) = S n \operatorname{Gal}(J_n^\epsilon/\mathbb{Q})=S_n Gal ( J n ϵ / Q ) = S n . For n ≥ 4 n\ge4 n ≥ 4 , Lemmas 5.11 and 5.10 provide an odd proper set of pairs flipped by a Galois element. Lemma 5.5 gives Γ = F 2 n ⋊ S n \Gamma=\mathbb{F}_2^n\rtimes S_n Γ = F 2 n ⋊ S n .
For completeness, the three small degrees can be treated directly. When n = 1 n=1 n = 1 , the two polynomials are proportional to 3 X 2 − 1 3X^2-1 3 X 2 − 1 and 5 X 2 − 3 5X^2-3 5 X 2 − 3 , both with group C 2 C_2 C 2 . For ( n , ϵ ) = ( 2 , − 1 ) , ( 3 , − 1 ) , ( 3 , 1 ) (n,\epsilon)=(2,-1),(3,-1),(3,1) ( n , ϵ ) = ( 2 , − 1 ) , ( 3 , − 1 ) , ( 3 , 1 ) , the primes p = 7 , 11 , 13 p=7,11,13 p = 7 , 11 , 13 , respectively, give d = 1 d=1 d = 1 in Lemma 5.10; the sign-kernel lemma applies. The remaining polynomial, for ( n , ϵ ) = ( 2 , 1 ) (n,\epsilon)=(2,1) ( n , ϵ ) = ( 2 , 1 ) , is proportional to 63 X 4 − 70 X 2 + 15 63X^4-70X^2+15 63 X 4 − 70 X 2 + 15 . Its squared roots are
y ± = 35 ± 2 70 63 ∈ K = Q ( 70 ) , y + y − = 5 21 . y_{\pm}=\frac{35\pm2\sqrt{70}}{63}\in K=\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{70}),\qquad y_+y_-=\frac{5}{21}. y ± = 63 35 ± 2 70 ∈ K = Q ( 70 ) , y + y − = 21 5 .
Neither is a square in K K K , since its norm 5 / 21 5/21 5/21 is not a rational square. Their product is not a square in K K K either: a rational number q q q is a square in Q ( 70 ) \mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{70}) Q ( 70 ) only if q q q or q / 70 q/70 q /70 is a rational square, and neither 5 / 21 5/21 5/21 nor 1 / 294 1/294 1/294 is one. Thus the two squareclasses are independent. The splitting field has degree 4 4 4 over K K K and degree 8 8 8 over Q \mathbb{Q} Q , so its group is C 2 ≀ S 2 C_2\wr S_2 C 2 ≀ S 2 .
Finally, the irreducibility equivalence follows directly. A factorization of J n ϵ J_n^\epsilon J n ϵ gives one of J n ϵ ( − X 2 ) J_n^\epsilon(-X^2) J n ϵ ( − X 2 ) , hence one of L 2 n + δ L_{2n+\delta} L 2 n + δ . Conversely, if J n ϵ J_n^\epsilon J n ϵ is irreducible, the group just computed acts transitively on the 2 n 2n 2 n roots of L 2 n + δ L_{2n+\delta} L 2 n + δ , so that polynomial is irreducible. □
Combining Theorem 5.9 with the irreducibility in Theorem 1.5 proves Theorem 1.2.
The Kaneko–Zagier Galois group
Theorem 5.12. For every n ≥ 1 n \ge1 n ≥ 1 and λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } \lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\} λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } , irreducibility of P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)} P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) over Q \mathbb{Q} Q implies
Gal ( P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) / Q ) = S n . \operatorname{Gal}(P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)}/\mathbb{Q}) = S_n. Gal ( P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) / Q ) = S n .
This extends the conditional finite verification of [8 Theorem 1.8] to every degree.
For λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } \lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\} λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } and r = 2 λ + 3 μ r=2\lambda+3\mu r = 2 λ + 3 μ , abbreviate K n λ / 3 , μ / 2 K_n^{\lambda/3,\mu/2} K n λ /3 , μ /2 to K n λ , μ K_n^{\lambda,\mu} K n λ , μ in this section. The normalization (76) , with D = 6 D=6 D = 6 , becomes
K n λ , μ ( X ) = ∑ j = 0 n ( n j ) ∏ k = j + 1 n ( 3 k + λ ) ∏ k = 0 j ( 6 n + r + 6 k ) X j = 3 n n ! P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) ( 4 X + 1 ) . (87) K_n^{\lambda,\mu}(X)=\sum_{j=0}^{n}\binom{n}{j}\prod_{k=j+1}^{n}(3k+\lambda)\prod_{k=0}^{j}(6n+r+6k)X^j
=3^n n!P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)}(4X+1). \tag*{(87)} K n λ , μ ( X ) = j = 0 ∑ n ( j n ) k = j + 1 ∏ n ( 3 k + λ ) k = 0 ∏ j ( 6 n + r + 6 k ) X j = 3 n n ! P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) ( 4 X + 1 ) . (87)
To compare with the published finite result, put ℓ = 12 n + 6 + r \ell=12n+6+r ℓ = 12 n + 6 + r and let F ~ ℓ − 1 \widetilde{F}_{\ell-1} F ℓ − 1 be the modular polynomial defined in (106) in § 6.4 . Its normalization gives
F ~ ℓ − 1 ( Y ) = 576 n n ! K n λ , μ ( − Y / 3456 ) . (88) \widetilde{F}_{\ell-1}(Y)=\frac{576^n}{n!}K_n^{\lambda,\mu}(-Y/3456). \tag*{(88)} F ℓ − 1 ( Y ) = n ! 57 6 n K n λ , μ ( − Y /3456 ) . (88)
These polynomials therefore have the same irreducibility behavior and isomorphic splitting fields over Q \mathbb{Q} Q .
Proof of Theorem 5.12. Suppose P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)} P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) is irreducible and n ≥ 10 6 n \ge10^6 n ≥ 1 0 6 . For every p ∈ P 6 , r ( n ) p \in\mathcal{P}_{6,r}(n) p ∈ P 6 , r ( n ) we have
6 n + 60 < p < 9 n , p ≡ r ( m o d 6 ) . 6n+60<p<9n,\qquad p\equiv r\pmod{6}. 6 n + 60 < p < 9 n , p ≡ r ( mod 6 ) .
The small factors 3 k + λ 3k+\lambda 3 k + λ and 2 k + μ 2k+\mu 2 k + μ are positive and less than p p p . The remaining coefficient factors are positive and at most 12 n + r < 2 p 12n+r<2p 12 n + r < 2 p . Moreover,
1 ≤ p − r 6 − n ≤ n . 1\le\frac{p-r}{6}-n\le n. 1 ≤ 6 p − r − n ≤ n .
Thus Proposition 5.2 supplies a single cycle of length
d p = 2 n + 1 − p − r 6 . d_p=2n+1-\frac{p-r}{6}. d p = 2 n + 1 − 6 p − r .
Irreducibility makes the group transitive, and Proposition 5.7 proves that it is S n S_n S n .
For 1 ≤ n < 10 6 1\le n<10^6 1 ≤ n < 1 0 6 , the associated index in (105) satisfies
ℓ ≤ 12 ( 999999 ) + 11 = 11 999 999 < 10 9 . \ell\le12(999999)+11=11\,999\,999<10^9. ℓ ≤ 12 ( 999999 ) + 11 = 11 999 999 < 1 0 9 .
Cullinan and Hajir [8 Theorem 1.8] prove that, for every ℓ ≤ 10 9 \ell\le10^9 ℓ ≤ 1 0 9 coprime to 6 6 6 , irreducibility of F ~ ℓ − 1 \widetilde{F}_{\ell-1} F ℓ − 1 implies that its group is S n S_n S n . The affine identity (106) completes the proof in all degrees. □
Together with the irreducibility proved in § 4 , this completes Theorem 1.1 .
Fixed rational parameters
We now allow fixed rational parameters and do not assume irreducibility. Every cycle of length greater than n / 2 n/2 n /2 is contained in one Galois orbit, and two different orbits cannot both contain such a cycle. All the long cycles therefore act on the same orbit. A prime sufficiently close to D n Dn D n makes the corresponding cycle length close to n n n ; this produces the large factor in Theorem 1.6 . The remaining primes establish primitivity and the symmetric group on that factor. The prime-number-theorem estimates concern fixed moduli; the uniform Brun–Titchmarsh bound still controls possible growing block sizes.
The large factor and its splitting field.
Lemma 5.13. Fix an integer q ≥ 2 q \ge2 q ≥ 2 and a real number A > 0 A > 0 A > 0 . For every reduced class a a a modulo q q q and all sufficiently large x x x , the interval
( x , x + x ( log x ) A ) \left(x,x+\frac{x}{(\log x)^A}\right) ( x , x + ( log x ) A x ) contains a prime congruent to a a a modulo q q q . The threshold can be chosen uniformly in a a a .
Proof. Choose a fixed power Q = q m ≥ 10 5 Q=q^m \ge10^5 Q = q m ≥ 1 0 5 . Every representative a a a prime to q q q is also prime to Q Q Q . Proposition 6.19 of [3 ] , with Z = A + 1 Z=A+1 Z = A + 1 , gives
π ( t ; Q , a ) = Li ( t ) φ ( Q ) + O q , A ( t ( log t ) A + 2 ) ( t → ∞ ) . \pi(t;Q,a)=\frac{\operatorname{Li}(t)}{\varphi(Q)}+O_{q,A}\left(\frac{t}{(\log t)^{A+2}}\right)\qquad(t\to\infty). π ( t ; Q , a ) = φ ( Q ) Li ( t ) + O q , A ( ( log t ) A + 2 t ) ( t → ∞ ) . Indeed, for each fixed Z Z Z , the three auxiliary parameters in [3 Eq. (6.23)] can be chosen sufficiently large; the resulting threshold is fixed and uniform in the reduced classes. Set H = x / ( log x ) A H=x/(\log x)^A H = x / ( log x ) A . Then
π ( x + H ; Q , a ) − π ( x ; Q , a ) = ( 1 φ ( Q ) + o q , A ( 1 ) ) x ( log x ) A + 1 > 0 \pi(x+H;Q,a)-\pi(x;Q,a)=\left(\frac{1}{\varphi(Q)}+o_{q,A}(1)\right)\frac{x}{(\log x)^{A+1}}>0 π ( x + H ; Q , a ) − π ( x ; Q , a ) = ( φ ( Q ) 1 + o q , A ( 1 ) ) ( log x ) A + 1 x > 0 for all sufficiently large x x x . Such a prime is also congruent to a a a modulo q q q . □
Proof of Theorem 1.6. Write α = a / u \alpha=a/u α = a / u and β = b / v \beta=b/v β = b / v as in the statement and put α + β = r / D \alpha+\beta=r/D α + β = r / D in lowest terms. By hypothesis,
( r , D ) = 1 , D ≥ max { u , v } , D ≥ 2 is even . (r,D)=1,\qquad D\ge\max\{u,v\},\qquad D\ge2\text{ is even}. ( r , D ) = 1 , D ≥ max { u , v } , D ≥ 2 is even .
In particular, α + β = r / D \alpha+\beta=r/D α + β = r / D is not an integer, so the degree of P n ( α , β ) P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)} P n ( α , β ) is n n n . Its endpoint values are nonzero because neither parameter is a negative integer. Equation (74) , over a field of characteristic zero, then also shows that all its roots are simple.
Choose a fixed constant
B > ∣ r ∣ + ∣ a ∣ + ∣ b ∣ + 4 D + 10 , B>|r|+|a|+|b|+4D+10, B > ∣ r ∣ + ∣ a ∣ + ∣ b ∣ + 4 D + 10 ,
and consider primes in
p ≡ r ( m o d D ) , D n + B < p < 3 D n / 2 − B . (89) p\equiv r\pmod D,\qquad Dn+B<p<3Dn/2-B. \tag*{(89)} p ≡ r ( mod D ) , D n + B < p < 3 D n /2 − B . (89)
For all sufficiently large n n n , every such prime satisfies (5.6)–(5.7). Indeed, the first two sets of factors have absolute value less than D n + B Dn+B D n + B , and the factors D n + r + D k Dn+r+Dk D n + r + D k lie in ( 0 , 2 p ) (0,2p) ( 0 , 2 p ) . Their distinguished index k 0 = ( p − r ) / D − n k_0=(p-r)/D-n k 0 = ( p − r ) / D − n satisfies 1 ≤ k 0 ≤ n 1\le k_0\le n 1 ≤ k 0 ≤ n . Consequently, Proposition 5.2 gives a single cycle of length
d p = 2 n + 1 − p − r D , n / 2 < d p ≤ n − 4. (90) d_p=2n+1-\frac{p-r}{D},\qquad n/2<d_p\le n-4. \tag*{(90)} d p = 2 n + 1 − D p − r , n /2 < d p ≤ n − 4. (90)
The large orbit. Every cycle in (90) has support larger than n / 2 n/2 n /2 , contained in a single Galois orbit. Since two disjoint orbits cannot both have that size, all these supports lie in one orbit O O O . Fix A > 0 A>0 A > 0 and apply Lemma 5.13 with q = D q=D q = D and x = D n + B x=Dn+B x = D n + B . It gives a prime satisfying (89) with
p = D n + O α , β , A ( n ( log n ) A ) . p=Dn+O_{\alpha,\beta,A}\left(\frac{n}{(\log n)^A}\right). p = D n + O α , β , A ( ( log n ) A n ) .
The associated cycle has length n − O α , β , A ( n / ( log n ) A ) n-O_{\alpha,\beta,A}(n/(\log n)^A) n − O α , β , A ( n / ( log n ) A ) . Hence
0 ≤ n − M = O α , β , A ( n ( log n ) A ) , M : = ∣ O ∣ , 0\le n-M=O_{\alpha,\beta,A}\left(\frac{n}{(\log n)^A}\right),\qquad M:=|O|, 0 ≤ n − M = O α , β , A ( ( log n ) A n ) , M := ∣ O ∣ ,
for every fixed A > 0 A>0 A > 0 . The orbit O O O does not depend on A A A ; the implied constant and threshold in this estimate may depend on A A A . It gives the unique monic irreducible factor h n h_n h n of degree greater than $n/2.
Primitivity on the large orbit. Let G O G_O G O be the induced transitive group on O O O . Suppose it preserves blocks of size s s s , where 2 ≤ s ≤ M / 2 2 \le s \le M/2 2 ≤ s ≤ M /2 . Lemma 5.3 applies because d p > n / 2 ≥ M / 2 d_p > n/2 \ge M/2 d p > n /2 ≥ M /2 . It gives s ∣ d p s \mid d_p s ∣ d p for every prime in (89) , and hence
p ≡ D ( 2 n + 1 ) + r ( m o d D s ) . (91) p \equiv D(2n+1)+r \pmod{Ds}. \tag*{(91)} p ≡ D ( 2 n + 1 ) + r ( mod D s ) . (91)
Here s s s divides M M M , but it need not divide n n n ; we therefore retain the full residue in (91) . Let T n T_n T n be the number of primes in (89) . The prime number theorem in arithmetic progressions, with fixed modulus D D D , gives
T n ∼ D 2 φ ( D ) n log n . (92) T_n \sim\frac{D}{2\varphi(D)}\frac{n}{\log n}. \tag*{(92)} T n ∼ 2 φ ( D ) D log n n . (92)
Choose a fixed integer s 0 s_0 s 0 such that φ ( D s ) ≥ 4 φ ( D ) \varphi(Ds) \ge4\varphi(D) φ ( D s ) ≥ 4 φ ( D ) for every s ≥ s 0 s \ge s_0 s ≥ s 0 . Such a choice exists, for instance from φ ( q ) ≥ q / 2 \varphi(q) \ge\sqrt{q/2} φ ( q ) ≥ q /2 . If s 0 ≤ s ≤ n 1 / 4 s_0 \le s \le n^{1/4} s 0 ≤ s ≤ n 1/4 , the uniform bound (83) applied to (91) gives
T n < D n φ ( D s ) log ( n / ( 2 s ) ) ≤ D n 4 φ ( D ) ( 3 4 log n − log 2 ) ∼ D 3 φ ( D ) n log n , T_n < \frac{Dn}{\varphi(Ds)\log(n/(2s))} \le\frac{Dn}{4\varphi(D)(\frac{3}{4}\log n-\log2)} \sim\frac{D}{3\varphi(D)}\frac{n}{\log n}, T n < φ ( D s ) log ( n / ( 2 s )) D n ≤ 4 φ ( D ) ( 4 3 log n − log 2 ) D n ∼ 3 φ ( D ) D log n n ,
contradicting (92) . If s > n 1 / 4 s > n^{1/4} s > n 1/4 , counting integers gives
T n ≤ n 2 s + 1 ≤ 1 2 n 3 / 4 + 1 = o ( n / log n ) , T_n \le\frac{n}{2s}+1 \le\frac{1}{2}n^{3/4}+1=o(n/\log n), T n ≤ 2 s n + 1 ≤ 2 1 n 3/4 + 1 = o ( n / log n ) ,
another contradiction. In both cases a nonreduced forced class is already impossible, since its primes would divide D s ≤ D n / 2 Ds \le Dn/2 D s ≤ D n /2 .
It remains to exclude the finitely many values 2 ≤ s < s 0 2 \le s < s_0 2 ≤ s < s 0 . Reduction of units modulo D s Ds D s onto units modulo D D D is surjective. Because D D D is even, each fiber has size φ ( D s ) / φ ( D ) ≥ 2 \varphi(Ds)/\varphi(D) \ge2 φ ( D s ) / φ ( D ) ≥ 2 : increasing the exponent of a prime dividing D D D contributes a factor at least 2 2 2 , and every new prime is odd and contributes a factor at least 2 2 2 . For the finitely many fixed moduli D s Ds D s under consideration, the prime number theorem in arithmetic progressions applies in every reduced lift of r r r simultaneously. Hence, for all sufficiently large n n n , a prime occurs in a class different from (91) , even though that forced class may vary with n n n . This contradiction proves that G O G_O G O is primitive.
The symmetric group and the remaining roots. Both classes r r r and r + D r+D r + D modulo 2 D 2D 2 D are reduced. Choose a prime in the latter class and in the smaller interval
7 D n / 5 < p < 3 D n / 2 − B . (93) 7Dn/5 < p < 3Dn/2-B. \tag*{(93)} 7 D n /5 < p < 3 D n /2 − B . (93)
The prime number theorem in the fixed class modulo 2 D 2D 2 D gives such a prime for all sufficiently large n n n . Its cycle length satisfies d p ≤ 3 n / 5 + O ( 1 ) d_p \le3n/5+O(1) d p ≤ 3 n /5 + O ( 1 ) , whereas M = n − o ( n ) M=n-o(n) M = n − o ( n ) . It therefore fixes at least three points of O O O . Theorem 5.4 gives A M ≤ G O A_M \le G_O A M ≤ G O . Also ( p − r ) / D (p-r)/D ( p − r ) / D is odd, so d p d_p d p is even and the same cycle is an odd permutation. Thus G O = S M = Gal ( h n / Q ) G_O=S_M=\operatorname{Gal}(h_n/\mathbb{Q}) G O = S M = Gal ( h n / Q ) .
Write f n = κ n h n g n f_n=\kappa_nh_ng_n f n = κ n h n g n as in the theorem. Restriction embeds Gal ( f n / Q ) \operatorname{Gal}(f_n/\mathbb{Q}) Gal ( f n / Q ) in S M × Gal ( g n / Q ) S_M\times\operatorname{Gal}(g_n/\mathbb{Q}) S M × Gal ( g n / Q ) and maps it onto each factor. The kernel of restriction to the splitting field of g n g_n g n , viewed inside S M S_M S M , is normal because projection onto S M S_M S M is surjective. It contains the even-length cycle just chosen, since that inertia element fixes every root outside O O O . By Lemma 5.6(1), this kernel is S M S_M S M . The embedded group is therefore the full direct product, proving (4) and the linear disjointness.
Quadratic substitution. Fix c ∈ Q × c\in\mathbb{Q}^{\times} c ∈ Q × . For sufficiently large n n n , all primes in (89) satisfy v p ( u c / ( 2 D ) ) = 0 v_p(uc/(2D))=0 v p ( u c / ( 2 D )) = 0 . Since 2 d p ≤ 2 n < p 2d_p\le2n<p 2 d p ≤ 2 n < p , the quadratic part of Proposition 5.2 supplies a single 2 d p 2d_p 2 d p -cycle on the roots of P n ( α , β ) ( 1 + c X 2 ) P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(1+cX^2) P n ( α , β ) ( 1 + c X 2 ) . Its support consists of the pairs above its d p d_p d p -cycle on O O O .
The roots of h n ( 1 + c X 2 ) h_n(1+cX^2) h n ( 1 + c X 2 ) form precisely the pairs above O O O . They are nonzero and distinct, because h n ( 1 ) ≠ 0 h_n(1)\ne0 h n ( 1 ) = 0 . Their group projects onto S M S_M S M . Choose a prime in (93) and in the class r r r modulo 2 D 2D 2 D . Then d p d_p d p is odd and 1 < d p < M 1<d_p<M 1 < d p < M . The resulting single 2 d p 2d_p 2 d p -cycle and Lemma 5.5 give the full group W M W_M W M . This action is transitive, so h n ( 1 + c X 2 ) h_n(1+cX^2) h n ( 1 + c X 2 ) is irreducible.
Finally, the full splitting group after quadratic substitution embeds in
W M × Gal ( g n ( 1 + c X 2 ) / Q ) W_M\times\operatorname{Gal}(g_n(1+cX^2)/\mathbb{Q}) W M × Gal ( g n ( 1 + c X 2 ) / Q )
and projects onto each factor. As above, surjectivity makes the kernel on the second factor normal in W M W_M W M . It contains the local 2 d p 2d_p 2 d p -cycles from both parity classes, which fix every root above g n g_n g n . Lemma 5.6(2) makes this kernel the whole wreath product. This proves (1.5) and the corresponding linear disjointness. When f n f_n f n is irreducible, M = n M=n M = n and g n = 1 g_n=1 g n = 1 . The fixed-field assertion is proved in Corollary 5.14 below.
Fixed number fields and symmetric parameters
The selected ramified primes tend to infinity with the degree, whereas a fixed number field is ramified at only finitely many primes. To use this observation, pass to the Galois closure of the fixed field. At every sufficiently large selected prime, inertia fixes its intersection with the splitting field. This intersection is Galois over Q \mathbb{Q} Q , so the restriction kernel is normal. The inertia elements constructed above normally generate the full symmetric or wreath-product group, forcing the intersection to be Q \mathbb{Q} Q .
Corollary 5.14. Under the hypotheses of Theorem 1.6 , fix a number field E E E and c ∈ Q × c \in\mathbb{Q}^{\times} c ∈ Q × . For all sufficiently large n n n , the splitting fields of h n h_n h n and h n ( 1 + c X 2 ) h_n(1+cX^2) h n ( 1 + c X 2 ) are each linearly disjoint from E E E over Q \mathbb{Q} Q . In particular, these polynomials remain irreducible over E E E , with groups S M n S_{M_n} S M n and W M n W_{M_n} W M n , respectively.
Proof. Let E ′ E' E ′ be the Galois closure of E E E over Q \mathbb{Q} Q . For all sufficiently large n n n , every prime used in (5.18) is unramified in E ′ E' E ′ . Let K n K_n K n be the splitting field of either h n h_n h n or h n ( 1 + c X 2 ) h_n(1+cX^2) h n ( 1 + c X 2 ) , and put F n = K n ∩ E ′ F_n=K_n\cap E' F n = K n ∩ E ′ . Both K n K_n K n and F n F_n F n are Galois over Q \mathbb{Q} Q . Since F n / Q F_n/\mathbb{Q} F n / Q is unramified at each selected prime p p p , every inertia subgroup at p p p in Gal ( K n / Q ) \operatorname{Gal}(K_n/\mathbb{Q}) Gal ( K n / Q ) acts trivially on F n F_n F n and hence lies in the normal subgroup Gal ( K n / F n ) \operatorname{Gal}(K_n/F_n) Gal ( K n / F n ) . For h n h_n h n , this subgroup contains the even-length proper cycle used above. For h n ( 1 + c X 2 ) h_n(1+cX^2) h n ( 1 + c X 2 ) , it contains the single 2 d p 2d_p 2 d p -cycles from both parity classes, with 1 ≤ d p < M n 1\le d_p<M_n 1 ≤ d p < M n . Lemma 5.6 gives Gal ( K n / F n ) = Gal ( K n / Q ) \operatorname{Gal}(K_n/F_n)=\operatorname{Gal}(K_n/\mathbb{Q}) Gal ( K n / F n ) = Gal ( K n / Q ) , so F n = Q F_n=\mathbb{Q} F n = Q . Thus K n K_n K n and E ′ E' E ′ are linearly disjoint over Q \mathbb{Q} Q , and the same holds with E E E in place of E ′ E' E ′ . The assertions over E E E follow.
The denominator hypotheses have separate roles in the proof. The inequality D ≥ max { u , v } D\ge\max\{u,v\} D ≥ max { u , v } allows primes just above D n D_n D n to avoid all coefficient factors arising from the individual parameters. Evenness of D D D ensures that every proper refinement of the residue class modulo D D D has another reduced lift, which is needed in the block argument. It also makes both r r r and r + D r+D r + D reduced classes modulo 2 D 2D 2 D , giving both parities of the cycle length. These hypotheses exclude the Chebyshev specializations, whose roots lie in cyclotomic fields.
Corollary 5.15. Fix a ∈ Q a\in\mathbb{Q} a ∈ Q with a > − 1 a>-1 a > − 1 and reduced denominator v v v that is odd or divisible by 4 4 4 . For δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } , define Q m a , δ Q_m^{a,\delta} Q m a , δ by
P 2 m + δ ( a , a ) ( X ) X δ = Q m a , δ ( X 2 ) . \frac{P_{2m+\delta}^{(a,a)}(X)}{X^\delta}=Q_m^{a,\delta}(X^2). X δ P 2 m + δ ( a , a ) ( X ) = Q m a , δ ( X 2 ) . For all sufficiently large m m m , irreducibility of Q m a , δ Q_m^{a,\delta} Q m a , δ implies
Gal ( Q m a , δ / Q ) = S m , Gal ( P 2 m + δ ( a , a ) ( X ) / X δ / Q ) = C 2 ≀ S m . \operatorname{Gal}(Q_m^{a,\delta}/\mathbb{Q})=S_m,\qquad
\operatorname{Gal}\left(P_{2m+\delta}^{(a,a)}(X)/X^\delta/\mathbb{Q}\right)=C_2\wr S_m. Gal ( Q m a , δ / Q ) = S m , Gal ( P 2 m + δ ( a , a ) ( X ) / X δ / Q ) = C 2 ≀ S m .
Proof. The quadratic transformations Eqs. 18.7.13–18.7.14, followed by Jacobi symmetry, identify P 2 m + δ ( a , a ) ( X ) / X δ P_{2m+\delta}^{(a,a)}(X)/X^\delta P 2 m + δ ( a , a ) ( X ) / X δ with a nonzero rational multiple of
P m ( δ − 1 / 2 , a ) ( 1 − 2 X 2 ) . P_m^{(\delta-1/2,a)}(1-2X^2). P m ( δ − 1/2 , a ) ( 1 − 2 X 2 ) .
The reduced denominator of δ − 1 / 2 + a \delta-1/2+a δ − 1/2 + a is 2 v 2v 2 v if v v v is odd and v v v if 4 ∣ v 4\mid v 4 ∣ v . In both cases it is even and at least max { 2 , v } \max\{2,v\} max { 2 , v } . Apply Theorem 1.6 , with c = − 2 c=-2 c = − 2 , and use the affine change T ↦ 1 − 2 T T\mapsto1-2T T ↦ 1 − 2 T for the quotient polynomial.
These are symmetric Jacobi families, related to Gegenbauer polynomials with parameter a + 1 / 2 a+1/2 a + 1/2 by the usual scalar normalization. The case a = 0 a=0 a = 0 is the Legendre family, for which Theorem 5.9 supplies every degree. For nonnegative integral parameters, Theorem 1.4 supplies the required eventual irreducibility, as used below. Unconditionally, Q m a , δ Q_m^{a,\delta} Q m a , δ has a unique monic irreducible factor of degree greater than m / 2 m/2 m /2 . Its degree is m − O a , A ( m / ( log m ) A ) m - O_{a,A}(m/(\log m)^A) m − O a , A ( m / ( log m ) A ) for every fixed A > 0 A > 0 A > 0 , and its Galois group is symmetric. Substituting T = X 2 T = X^2 T = X 2 in that factor gives an irreducible factor of twice the degree with the full quadratic wreath-product group.
Unequal integral parameters
Return to the notation of § 3.1 , with a > b ≥ 0 a > b \ge0 a > b ≥ 0 , s = a + b s = a + b s = a + b , and n = 2 m + δ n = 2m + \delta n = 2 m + δ . Here we choose p ∈ ( 3 n / 4 , 7 n / 8 ] p \in(3n/4, 7n/8] p ∈ ( 3 n /4 , 7 n /8 ] , so the desired cycle has the prime length p p p . Reduction separates a factor x p x^p x p from a squarefree factor that is nonzero at the origin. If the original constant coefficient has valuation one, the degree-p p p lift is Eisenstein. Its inertia group has order divisible by p p p , and n < 2 p n < 2p n < 2 p forces an element of order p p p to be a single p p p -cycle. This argument permits wild ramification. The central-value numerators identify the primes for which the construction works, and the same prime gives an odd discriminant valuation. The residual factor has degree congruent to 1 − δ 1 - \delta 1 − δ modulo 2, so its value at zero involves the central numerator for the opposite parity. Accordingly, define
C δ ( z ) = 2 K 1 − δ A 1 − δ ( z + δ − 1 2 ) , W δ ( z ) = A δ ( z ) C δ ( z ) . (94) C_\delta(z) = 2^{K_{1-\delta}} A_{1-\delta}\left(z + \delta- \frac{1}{2}\right), \qquad W_\delta(z) = A_\delta(z) C_\delta(z). \tag*{(94)} C δ ( z ) = 2 K 1 − δ A 1 − δ ( z + δ − 2 1 ) , W δ ( z ) = A δ ( z ) C δ ( z ) . (94)
Since deg A ε ≤ K ε \deg A_\varepsilon\le K_\varepsilon deg A ε ≤ K ε and K 0 + K 1 = s K_0 + K_1 = s K 0 + K 1 = s , these are nonzero integral polynomials and deg W δ ≤ s \deg W_\delta\le s deg W δ ≤ s .
Lemma 5.16. Suppose m ≥ 2 s + 10 m \ge2s + 10 m ≥ 2 s + 10 and P n ( a , b ) P_n^{(a,b)} P n ( a , b ) is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q . If a prime p p p satisfies
3 n 4 < p ≤ 7 n 8 , p ∤ W δ ( m ) , (95) \frac{3n}{4} < p \le\frac{7n}{8}, \qquad p \nmid W_\delta(m), \tag*{(95)} 4 3 n < p ≤ 8 7 n , p ∤ W δ ( m ) , (95) then Gal ( P n ( a , b ) / Q ) = S n \operatorname{Gal}(P_n^{(a,b)}/\mathbb{Q}) = S_n Gal ( P n ( a , b ) / Q ) = S n .
Proof. Put f = P n ( a , b ) f = P_n^{(a,b)} f = P n ( a , b ) and j = n − p j = n - p j = n − p . The assumptions imply
p > M , p < n + s < 2 p < 2 n + s < 3 p , 2 n + s < p 2 . p > M, \qquad p < n + s < 2p < 2n + s < 3p, \qquad2n + s < p^2. p > M , p < n + s < 2 p < 2 n + s < 3 p , 2 n + s < p 2 .
In particular, p p p is odd and p ∤ T p \nmid T p ∤ T . The leading coefficient 2 − n ( 2 n + s n ) 2^{-n}\binom{2n+s}{n} 2 − n ( n 2 n + s ) is a p p p -adic unit, its valuation being 2 − 1 − 1 = 0 2 - 1 - 1 = 0 2 − 1 − 1 = 0 . Lemma 3.3 gives
f ‾ = x p P n ( a , b ) ‾ j . (96) \overline{f} = x^p \overline{P_n^{(a,b)}}_j. \tag*{(96)} f = x p P n ( a , b ) j . (96)
The residual factor has degree j < p j < p j < p and has simple roots.
To check its value at zero, write j = 2 k + ( 1 − δ ) j = 2k + (1 - \delta) j = 2 k + ( 1 − δ ) , where
k = m + δ − p + 1 2 ≡ m + δ − 1 2 ( m o d p ) . k = m + \delta- \frac{p+1}{2} \equiv m + \delta- \frac{1}{2} \pmod p. k = m + δ − 2 p + 1 ≡ m + δ − 2 1 ( mod p ) .
Here 2 k < p 2k < p 2 k < p and k + K 1 − δ < p k + K_{1-\delta} < p k + K 1 − δ < p . In the central-value formula for P j ( a , b ) ( 0 ) P_j^{(a,b)}(0) P j ( a , b ) ( 0 ) , the central binomial coefficient and denominator are therefore units. The condition p ∤ C δ ( m ) p \nmid C_\delta(m) p ∤ C δ ( m ) implies p ∤ A 1 − δ ( k ) p \nmid A_{1-\delta}(k) p ∤ A 1 − δ ( k ) , so P j ( a , b ) ( 0 ) P_j^{(a,b)}(0) P j ( a , b ) ( 0 ) is a unit. On the other hand, m < p ≤ 2 m m < p \le2m m < p ≤ 2 m , m + K δ < p m + K_\delta< p m + K δ < p , and p ∤ A δ ( m ) p \nmid A_\delta(m) p ∤ A δ ( m ) . Thus
v p ( f ( 0 ) ) = v p ( ( 2 m m ) ) = 1. (97) v_p(f(0)) = v_p\left(\binom{2m}{m}\right) = 1. \tag*{(97)} v p ( f ( 0 )) = v p ( ( m 2 m ) ) = 1. (97)
After dividing f f f and P j ( a , b ) P_j^{(a,b)} P j ( a , b ) by their leading coefficients, (96) is a product of coprime monic polynomials. Hensel’s lemma lifts them to monic polynomials of degrees p p p and j j j . The degree-j j j factor has unit constant coefficient. The degree-p p p factor is congruent to x p x^p x p and has constant coefficient of valuation 1; it is Eisenstein. A root generates a totally ramified extension of Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p of degree p p p . The inertia group in the local splitting field of f f f has order divisible by p p p , so Cauchy’s theorem gives an element of order p p p . After choosing a prime of the global splitting field above p p p , the local Galois group identifies with a decomposition subgroup of the global Galois group. Since n < 2 p n < 2p n < 2 p , this element is a single p p p -cycle. This argument allows wild ramification.
Irreducibility gives transitivity. In a nontrivial system of blocks, both the block size and the number of blocks are at most n / 2 < p n/2 < p n /2 < p . An element of order p p p would act trivially on the blocks and on each block, a contradiction. Hence the group is primitive. Since p ≤ n − 3 p \le n - 3 p ≤ n − 3 , Jordan’s theorem gives A n A_n A n as a subgroup [17 Theorem 1.1] .
Finally, the Jacobi discriminant formula is
disc P n ( a , b ) = 2 − n ( n − 1 ) ∏ h = 1 n h h − 2 n + 2 ( h + a ) h − 1 ( h + b ) h − 1 ( n + h + s ) n − h ; (98) \operatorname{disc} P_n^{(a,b)} = 2^{-n(n-1)} \prod_{h=1}^{n} h^{h-2n+2}(h+a)^{h-1}(h+b)^{h-1}(n+h+s)^{n-h}; \tag*{(98)} disc P n ( a , b ) = 2 − n ( n − 1 ) h = 1 ∏ n h h − 2 n + 2 ( h + a ) h − 1 ( h + b ) h − 1 ( n + h + s ) n − h ; (98)
see [26 Theorem 6.71] or [22 (18.16.19)] . The multiples of p p p among the four sets of bases occur respectively at h = p h=p h = p , p − a p-a p − a , p − b p-b p − b , and 2 p − n − s 2p-n-s 2 p − n − s . Every such index is in [ 1 , n ] [1,n] [ 1 , n ] , and all bases are smaller than p 2 p^2 p 2 . Consequently
v p ( disc f ) = ( p − 2 n + 2 ) + ( p − a − 1 ) + ( p − b − 1 ) + ( 2 n + s − 2 p ) = p . v_p(\operatorname{disc} f) = (p - 2n + 2) + (p - a - 1) + (p - b - 1) + (2n + s - 2p) = p. v p ( disc f ) = ( p − 2 n + 2 ) + ( p − a − 1 ) + ( p − b − 1 ) + ( 2 n + s − 2 p ) = p .
The discriminant is not a rational square, so the Galois group is S n S_n S n . □
The required prime can be found effectively because a fixed polynomial value cannot contain all primes in a proportional interval.
Proposition 5.17. Suppose the hypotheses of Theorem 3.1 hold. If also
n ≥ 5 000 000 , W δ ( m ) ≠ 0 , log ∣ W δ ( m ) ∣ < n / 10 , (99) n \ge5\,000\,000,\qquad W_\delta(m) \ne0,\qquad\log|W_\delta(m)| < n/10, \tag*{(99)} n ≥ 5 000 000 , W δ ( m ) = 0 , log ∣ W δ ( m ) ∣ < n /10 , (99) then Gal ( P n ( a , b ) / Q ) = S n \operatorname{Gal}(P_n^{(a,b)}/\mathbb{Q}) = S_n Gal ( P n ( a , b ) / Q ) = S n .
Proof. Let ϑ ( x ) = ∑ p ≤ x log p \vartheta(x) = \sum_{p \le x} \log p ϑ ( x ) = ∑ p ≤ x log p . Dusart’s estimate [12 Theorem 5.2] gives
∣ ϑ ( x ) − x ∣ < 0.2 x ( log x ) 2 ( x > 3 594 641 ) . |\vartheta(x) - x| < \frac{0.2x}{(\log x)^2}\qquad(x > 3\,594\,641). ∣ ϑ ( x ) − x ∣ < ( log x ) 2 0.2 x ( x > 3 594 641 ) .
In particular, 0.99 x < ϑ ( x ) < 1.01 x 0.99x < \vartheta(x) < 1.01x 0.99 x < ϑ ( x ) < 1.01 x in this range. Thus
ϑ ( 7 n / 8 ) − ϑ ( 3 n / 4 ) > ( 0.99 7 8 − 1.01 3 4 ) n = 0.10875 n > n / 10. \vartheta(7n/8) - \vartheta(3n/4) > \left(0.99\frac{7}{8} - 1.01\frac{3}{4}\right)n = 0.10875n > n/10. ϑ ( 7 n /8 ) − ϑ ( 3 n /4 ) > ( 0.99 8 7 − 1.01 4 3 ) n = 0.10875 n > n /10.
If every prime in this interval divided W δ ( m ) W_\delta(m) W δ ( m ) , the difference would be at most log ∣ W δ ( m ) ∣ \log|W_\delta(m)| log ∣ W δ ( m ) ∣ . A prime satisfying (95) therefore exists, and Lemma 5.16 applies. □
The rational Galois assertion of Theorem 1.3 . For each parity, a root bound excludes the zeros of the fixed polynomial W δ W_\delta W δ beyond an effective point, and its coefficients give ∣ W δ ( m ) ∣ ≤ C ( m + 1 ) s |W_\delta(m)| \le C(m+1)^s ∣ W δ ( m ) ∣ ≤ C ( m + 1 ) s with effective C C C . Hence (99) holds for all sufficiently large m m m , effectively. Combine this with Theorem 3.1 , and use reflection when b > a b>a b > a . □
The fixed-field assertion of Theorem 1.3 . Let E ′ E' E ′ be the Galois closure of E E E over Q \mathbb{Q} Q . By the rational Galois assertion just proved and the construction in Lemma 5.16 , for all sufficiently large n n n the polynomial f = P n ( a , b ) f=P_n^{(a,b)} f = P n ( a , b ) has group S n S_n S n and there is an odd prime p p p such that
3 n 4 < p ≤ 7 n 8 , v p ( disc f ) = p . \frac{3n}{4} < p \le\frac{7n}{8},\qquad v_p(\operatorname{disc} f)=p. 4 3 n < p ≤ 8 7 n , v p ( disc f ) = p .
Enlarge the effective threshold so that n ≥ 5 n \ge5 n ≥ 5 and every such p p p is unramified in E ′ E' E ′ .
Let K K K be the splitting field of f f f and put L = K ∩ E ′ L=K\cap E' L = K ∩ E ′ . Then L / Q L/\mathbb{Q} L / Q is Galois and unramified at p p p . The quadratic subfield fixed by A n A_n A n is Q ( disc f ) \mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{\operatorname{disc} f}) Q ( disc f ) . Since v p ( disc f ) v_p(\operatorname{disc} f) v p ( disc f ) is odd, this quadratic extension is ramified at p p p . Restriction maps inertia onto the nontrivial inertia group of this quadratic extension. Hence an inertia subgroup of Gal ( K / Q ) = S n \operatorname{Gal}(K/\mathbb{Q})=S_n Gal ( K / Q ) = S n has nontrivial image under the sign character and contains an odd permutation. This inertia subgroup acts trivially on L L L , so the normal subgroup Gal ( K / L ) \operatorname{Gal}(K/L) Gal ( K / L ) contains an odd permutation. Every proper normal subgroup of S n S_n S n is contained in A n A_n A n when n ≥ 5 n\ge5 n ≥ 5 ; thus Gal ( K / L ) = S n \operatorname{Gal}(K/L)=S_n Gal ( K / L ) = S n and L = Q L=\mathbb{Q} L = Q . It follows that K K K and E ′ E' E ′ are linearly disjoint, and so are K K K and E E E . Restriction then identifies the group over E E E with S n S_n S n in its natural transitive action.
For effectivity, choose a computable R ≥ 1 R \ge1 R ≥ 1 at least as large as every prime ramified in E ′ E' E ′ , and require 3 n / 4 > R 3n/4 > R 3 n /4 > R . One may take the maximum of 1 and the prime divisors of ∣ Disc ( E ) ∣ |\operatorname{Disc}(E)| ∣ Disc ( E ) ∣ , because a Galois closure introduces no new ramified rational primes. This also covers E = Q E = \mathbb{Q} E = Q . □
Fixed derivatives
The quadratic transformation now brings the symmetric integral families within the denominator hypotheses of the rational-parameter theorem, and their established irreducibility makes its large factor the whole quotient polynomial.
Proof of Corollary 1.7. Put J m = P m ( δ − 1 / 2 , r ) J_m = P_m^{(\delta-1/2,r)} J m = P m ( δ − 1/2 , r ) . The quadratic transformations [22 Eqs. 18.7.15–18.7.16] , followed by Jacobi reflection, give
F m , r , δ ( X ) = ( − 1 ) m 2 δ ( r + 1 / 2 ) m + δ ( δ + 1 / 2 ) m J m ( 1 − 2 X 2 ) . (100) F_{m,r,\delta}(X) = (-1)^m 2^\delta\frac{(r+1/2)_{m+\delta}}{(\delta+1/2)_m} J_m(1-2X^2). \tag*{(100)} F m , r , δ ( X ) = ( − 1 ) m 2 δ ( δ + 1/2 ) m ( r + 1/2 ) m + δ J m ( 1 − 2 X 2 ) . (100)
The scalar is a nonzero rational number. By Theorem 1.4 , F m , r , δ F_{m,r,\delta} F m , r , δ is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q for all sufficiently large m m m . Consequently J m J_m J m is irreducible, since any factorization of J m J_m J m would give one of J m ( 1 − 2 X 2 ) J_m(1-2X^2) J m ( 1 − 2 X 2 ) .
The parameters δ − 1 / 2 \delta- 1/2 δ − 1/2 and r r r have reduced denominators 2 and 1, and their sum has reduced denominator D = 2 D = 2 D = 2 . Neither parameter is a negative integer. Thus Theorem 1.6 and Corollary 5.14 apply, with c = − 2 c = -2 c = − 2 . Since J m J_m J m is irreducible, the large factor in that theorem is its monic normalization. Its splitting field and that of J m ( 1 − 2 X 2 ) J_m(1-2X^2) J m ( 1 − 2 X 2 ) are therefore linearly disjoint from E E E for all sufficiently large m m m , and their groups over E E E are S m S_m S m and C 2 ≀ S m C_2 \wr S_m C 2 ≀ S m . Equation (100) identifies the second polynomial with F m , r , δ F_{m,r,\delta} F m , r , δ up to a scalar and identifies Q m , r , δ Q_{m,r,\delta} Q m , r , δ with J m ( 1 − 2 T ) J_m(1-2T) J m ( 1 − 2 T ) up to the same scalar. Multiplication by a nonzero rational scalar and the affine change T ↦ 1 − 2 T T \mapsto1-2T T ↦ 1 − 2 T preserve the respective splitting fields. The two group actions are transitive, proving irreducibility over E E E . Taking the larger threshold for δ = 0 , 1 \delta= 0,1 δ = 0 , 1 makes it valid for both parities.
Finally, P 2 m + δ + r ( r ) = ( 2 r − 1 ) ! ! ( 2 m + δ r + 1 / 2 ) P_{2m+\delta+r}^{(r)} = (2r-1)!!\binom{2m+\delta}{r+1/2} P 2 m + δ + r ( r ) = ( 2 r − 1 )!! ( r + 1/2 2 m + δ ) , with ( − 1 ) ! ! = 1 (-1)!! = 1 ( − 1 )!! = 1 . After division by X δ X^\delta X δ , the derivative has the same roots as F m , r , δ F_{m,r,\delta} F m , r , δ . □
Applications and further questions
The results have consequences for both individual algebraic zeros and geometric objects defined by the polynomials. Irreducibility controls common and prescribed zeros; the full symmetric group provides the additional information needed for the Jacobians below.
Integral parameters and common roots
Negative integral parameters contribute endpoint factors. Removing them extends Theorem 1.3 to all fixed integral parameters whose absolute values differ.
Corollary 6.1. Fix integers a , b a,b a , b with ∣ a ∣ ≠ ∣ b ∣ |a| \ne|b| ∣ a ∣ = ∣ b ∣ , and put a − = max { − a , 0 } a_- = \max\{-a,0\} a − = max { − a , 0 } and b − = max { − b , 0 } b_- = \max\{-b,0\} b − = max { − b , 0 } . For all sufficiently large n n n , effectively in a , b a,b a , b , the polynomial
P n ( a , b ) ( x ) ( x − 1 ) a − ( x + 1 ) b − \frac{P_n^{(a,b)}(x)}{(x-1)^{a_-}(x+1)^{b_-}} ( x − 1 ) a − ( x + 1 ) b − P n ( a , b ) ( x )
is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q and has Galois group S n − a − − b − S_{n-a_--b_-} S n − a − − b − .
Proof. For A , b ≥ 0 A,b \ge0 A , b ≥ 0 and n ≥ A n \ge A n ≥ A , the binomial formula gives
P n ( − A , b ) ( x ) = ( n − A ) ! ( n + b ) ! n ! ( n − A + b ) ! ( x − 1 2 ) A P n − A ( A , b ) ( x ) . P_n^{(-A,b)}(x) = \frac{(n-A)!(n+b)!}{n!(n-A+b)!}\left(\frac{x-1}{2}\right)^A P_{n-A}^{(A,b)}(x). P n ( − A , b ) ( x ) = n ! ( n − A + b )! ( n − A )! ( n + b )! ( 2 x − 1 ) A P n − A ( A , b ) ( x ) .
Reflection treats a negative second parameter. For A , B ≥ 0 A,B \ge0 A , B ≥ 0 and n ≥ A + B n \ge A+B n ≥ A + B , the same formula gives
P n ( − A , − B ) ( x ) = ( x − 1 2 ) A ( x + 1 2 ) B P n − A − B ( A , B ) ( x ) . P_n^{(-A,-B)}(x) = \left(\frac{x-1}{2}\right)^A \left(\frac{x+1}{2}\right)^B P_{n-A-B}^{(A,B)}(x). P n ( − A , − B ) ( x ) = ( 2 x − 1 ) A ( 2 x + 1 ) B P n − A − B ( A , B ) ( x ) .
The remaining factor is a nonzero rational multiple of the Jacobi polynomial with parameters ∣ a ∣ , ∣ b ∣ |a|, |b| ∣ a ∣ , ∣ b ∣ , so Theorem 1.3 applies. □
Irreducibility also controls how the root sets vary with the degree. If two rational polynomials share an algebraic root, its minimal polynomial divides both. Thus an irreducible member cannot meet the root set of a lower-degree member. For the Legendre polynomials and their derivatives, the only additional comparison is between the four reduced polynomials of the same degree.
Corollary 6.2. For fixed distinct nonnegative integers a , b a, b a , b , only finitely many pairs of different degrees give Jacobi polynomials P n ( a , b ) P_n^{(a,b)} P n ( a , b ) with a common root, and all such pairs lie in an effective range. Moreover, no two distinct members of { P ℓ , P ℓ ′ : ℓ ≥ 1 } \{P_\ell, P_\ell' : \ell\ge1\} { P ℓ , P ℓ ′ : ℓ ≥ 1 } have a common nonzero root.
Proof. In the asymmetric case, once the larger degree is at least N ( a , b ) N(a,b) N ( a , b ) , its irreducible polynomial cannot share a root with a polynomial of smaller degree. For the second assertion, remove any forced zero. Theorem 1.5 settles different positive reduced degrees. At reduced degree 2 m 2m 2 m , the four possibilities are
P 2 m , P 2 m + 1 / x , P 2 m + 1 ′ , P 2 m + 2 ′ / x . P_{2m},\quad P_{2m+1}/x,\quad P'_{2m+1},\quad P'_{2m+2}/x. P 2 m , P 2 m + 1 / x , P 2 m + 1 ′ , P 2 m + 2 ′ / x .
Their absolute ratios of the coefficient of x 2 m − 2 x^{2m-2} x 2 m − 2 to the leading coefficient are, in increasing order,
m ( 2 m − 1 ) 4 m + 1 < m ( 2 m − 1 ) 4 m − 1 < m ( 2 m + 1 ) 4 m + 3 < m ( 2 m + 1 ) 4 m + 1 . \frac{m(2m-1)}{4m+1}
<
\frac{m(2m-1)}{4m-1}
<
\frac{m(2m+1)}{4m+3}
<
\frac{m(2m+1)}{4m+1}. 4 m + 1 m ( 2 m − 1 ) < 4 m − 1 m ( 2 m − 1 ) < 4 m + 3 m ( 2 m + 1 ) < 4 m + 1 m ( 2 m + 1 ) .
They are therefore pairwise nonproportional. Irreducibility again excludes a common root. Reduced constants have no roots. □
The same argument gives a degree bound for any prescribed algebraic number ξ \xi ξ :
P n ( a , b ) ( ξ ) ≠ 0 for n > max { N ( a , b ) , [ Q ( ξ ) : Q ] } . P_n^{(a,b)}(\xi) \ne0 \quad\text{for } n > \max\{N(a,b), [\mathbb{Q}(\xi):\mathbb{Q}]\}. P n ( a , b ) ( ξ ) = 0 for n > max { N ( a , b ) , [ Q ( ξ ) : Q ]} .
Excluding a prescribed factor
The proof of irreducibility must allow every possible factor. When a candidate factor F F F is specified, its leading coefficient and discriminant provide additional information about the real resultant. Keeping these quantities in the comparison gives a stronger exclusion criterion. This is useful when a proposed zero is a fixed algebraic number: its minimal polynomial supplies F F F . The resulting estimates apply in parameter ranges larger than the range in which we prove complete irreducibility.
Proposition 6.3. Let F ∈ Z [ x ] F \in\mathbb{Z}[x] F ∈ Z [ x ] be primitive, of degree d ≥ 1 d \ge1 d ≥ 1 , with positive leading coefficient u u u , distinct roots in ( − 1 , 1 ) (-1,1) ( − 1 , 1 ) , and F ( 0 ) ≠ 0 F(0) \ne0 F ( 0 ) = 0 . Put
c F = min j v 2 ( [ X j ] F ( 2 X + 1 ) ) , β ( F ) = log 4 + 2 d log u 2 c F . c_F = \min_j v_2([X^j]F(2X+1)),\qquad\beta(F) = \log4 + \frac{2}{d}\log\frac{u}{2^{c_F}}. c F = j min v 2 ([ X j ] F ( 2 X + 1 )) , β ( F ) = log 4 + d 2 log 2 c F u . Let c ≥ 2 c \ge2 c ≥ 2 satisfy
c ( β ( F ) − 1 ) > g ( c ) . (101) c(\beta(F)-1)>g(c). \tag*{(101)} c ( β ( F ) − 1 ) > g ( c ) . (101) For all sufficiently large m m m , uniformly for 0 ≤ r ≤ m / c 0 \le r \le m/c 0 ≤ r ≤ m / c and δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } ,
F ∤ C 2 m + δ r + 1 / 2 ( x ) / x δ . F \nmid C_{2m+\delta}^{r+1/2}(x)/x^\delta. F ∤ C 2 m + δ r + 1/2 ( x ) / x δ . For rational c c c , the threshold is effective in F , c F,c F , c .
Proof. Suppose F ∣ H F \mid H F ∣ H , with H H H the primitive polynomial in the proof of Theorem 3.4 . For large m m m , write H = F G H=FG H = F G with e = 2 m − d ≥ d e=2m-d\ge d e = 2 m − d ≥ d . Set z = u / 2 c F > 1 z=u/2^{c_F}>1 z = u / 2 c F > 1 and
V F = ∏ i < j ( α i − α j ) 2 , C F = d log 2 + 2 log z + 1 d log V F . V_F=\prod_{i<j}(\alpha_i-\alpha_j)^2,\qquad C_F=d\log2+2\log z+\frac{1}{d}\log V_F. V F = i < j ∏ ( α i − α j ) 2 , C F = d log 2 + 2 log z + d 1 log V F .
Use (19) and (42) , without the Chebyshev bound. They give
log R d > m β ( F ) + 1 2 log m − log K − C F − D 2 log 2. (102) \frac{\log R}{d}>m\beta(F)+\frac{1}{2}\log m-\log K-C_F-D_2\log2. \tag*{(102)} d log R > m β ( F ) + 2 1 log m − log K − C F − D 2 log 2. (102)
Comparison with (41) forces
m β ( F ) < Ψ m ( S ) + log K + log A ≤ m + C F − 1 2 log m . (103) m\beta(F) < \Psi_m(S) + \log K + \log A_{\leq m} + C_F - \frac{1}{2}\log m. \tag*{(103)} m β ( F ) < Ψ m ( S ) + log K + log A ≤ m + C F − 2 1 log m . (103)
For r ≥ 1 r \geq1 r ≥ 1 , Lemma 3.5 bounds the right side by m ( 1 + g ( c ) / c ) + o F ( m ) m(1+g(c)/c)+o_F(m) m ( 1 + g ( c ) / c ) + o F ( m ) , uniformly in the stated range. This contradicts (6.1). The case r = 0 r=0 r = 0 follows with K = A = 1 K=A=1 K = A = 1 . The effective bounds in that lemma also prove effectivity here.
Render [23 Theorem 6] proved that P n ( r , r ) ( b / c ) ≠ 0 P_n^{(r,r)}(\sqrt{b/c}) \ne0 P n ( r , r ) ( b / c ) = 0 for coprime positive integers b , c b,c b , c with b ∉ { 1 , 3 } b \notin\{1,3\} b ∈ / { 1 , 3 } and integers n , r ≥ 0 n,r \geq0 n , r ≥ 0 . In particular, any nonzero rational root has numerator ± 1 \pm1 ± 1 in lowest terms. The next corollary excludes these remaining possibilities uniformly when m ≥ 2 r m \geq2r m ≥ 2 r and m m m is sufficiently large. Its proof uses the uniform lower bound for u / 2 c F u/2^{c_F} u / 2 c F among primitive linear polynomials.
Corollary 6.4. There is an effective absolute integer M 1 M_1 M 1 such that, for m ≥ M 1 m \geq M_1 m ≥ M 1 and 0 ≤ r ≤ m / 2 0 \leq r \leq m/2 0 ≤ r ≤ m /2 , neither C 2 m r + 1 / 2 C_{2m}^{r+1/2} C 2 m r + 1/2 nor C 2 m + 1 r + 1 / 2 / x C_{2m+1}^{r+1/2}/x C 2 m + 1 r + 1/2 / x has a rational root.
Proof. A nonzero rational root in ( − 1 , 1 ) (-1,1) ( − 1 , 1 ) gives a primitive factor F = u x + v F=ux+v F = ux + v , with 0 < ∣ v ∣ < u 0<|v|<u 0 < ∣ v ∣ < u and gcd ( u , v ) = 1 \gcd(u,v)=1 g cd( u , v ) = 1 . If u , v u,v u , v are odd, c F = 1 c_F=1 c F = 1 and u ≥ 3 u\geq3 u ≥ 3 ; otherwise c F = 0 c_F=0 c F = 0 and u ≥ 2 u\geq2 u ≥ 2 . Hence z = u / 2 c F ≥ 3 / 2 z=u/2^{c_F}\geq3/2 z = u / 2 c F ≥ 3/2 . For d = 1 d=1 d = 1 , V F = 1 V_F=1 V F = 1 , and the lower estimate in the preceding proof is uniformly at least
m log 9 + 1 2 log m − log K − log ( 9 / 2 ) − D 2 log 2. m\log9+\frac{1}{2}\log m-\log K-\log(9/2)-D_2\log2. m log 9 + 2 1 log m − log K − log ( 9/2 ) − D 2 log 2. Indeed, its z z z -dependent term is ( 2 m − 2 ) log z (2m-2)\log z ( 2 m − 2 ) log z . The uniform asymptotic estimate now excludes every such factor, since
2 ( log 9 − 1 ) − g ( 2 ) = log 3 72 2 16 5 10 − 2 > 0. 2(\log9-1)-g(2)=\log\frac{3^{72}2^{16}}{5^{10}}-2>0. 2 ( log 9 − 1 ) − g ( 2 ) = log 5 10 3 72 2 16 − 2 > 0. The last inequality follows from e < 3 e<3 e < 3 and 3 5 2 16 > 5 10 3^5 2^{16}>5^{10} 3 5 2 16 > 5 10 .
Vanishing modes on a circular cone
In spherical coordinates ( ρ , θ , φ ) (\rho,\theta,\varphi) ( ρ , θ , φ ) , a homogeneous harmonic mode of degree ℓ \ell ℓ and order 0 ≤ r ≤ ℓ 0\leq r\leq\ell 0 ≤ r ≤ ℓ is, up to a nonzero constant,
ρ ℓ e i r φ ( sin θ ) r P ℓ ( r ) ( cos θ ) ; \rho^\ell e^{ir\varphi}(\sin\theta)^r P_\ell^{(r)}(\cos\theta); ρ ℓ e i r φ ( sin θ ) r P ℓ ( r ) ( cos θ ) ;
see [22 Eqs. 14.7.8 and 14.30.1, and §14.30(iv)] . For α = cos θ ∈ ( − 1 , 1 ) \alpha=\cos\theta\in(-1,1) α = cos θ ∈ ( − 1 , 1 ) , vanishing on that latitude is therefore equivalent to P ℓ ( r ) ( α ) = 0 P_\ell^{(r)}(\alpha)=0 P ℓ ( r ) ( α ) = 0 . The cone x 2 + y 2 − 2 z 2 = 0 x^2+y^2-2z^2=0 x 2 + y 2 − 2 z 2 = 0 meets the unit sphere at α = ± 1 / 3 \alpha=\pm1/\sqrt{3} α = ± 1/ 3 ; parity makes vanishing at these two latitudes equivalent. The arithmetic question is thus whether the fixed polynomial 3 x 2 − 1 3x^2-1 3 x 2 − 1 can divide a Legendre derivative. The preceding estimates restrict the degree and order for which this can happen.
Corollary 6.5. For every integer D ≥ 1 D\geq1 D ≥ 1 , there is an effective integer L D L_D L D such that, for every nonzero algebraic α ∈ ( − 1 , 1 ) \alpha\in(-1,1) α ∈ ( − 1 , 1 ) of degree at most D D D ,
ℓ ≥ L D , 0 ≤ r ≤ ℓ , P ℓ ( r ) ( α ) = 0 ⟹ 17 r > ℓ − 1. \ell\geq L_D,\quad0\leq r\leq\ell,\quad P_\ell^{(r)}(\alpha)=0
\quad\Longrightarrow\quad17r>\ell-1. ℓ ≥ L D , 0 ≤ r ≤ ℓ , P ℓ ( r ) ( α ) = 0 ⟹ 17 r > ℓ − 1. For α = 1 / 3 \alpha=1/\sqrt{3} α = 1/ 3 , the stronger conclusion
23 r > 4 ( ℓ − 1 ) (104) 23r>4(\ell-1) \tag*{(104)} 23 r > 4 ( ℓ − 1 ) (104) holds for all sufficiently large ℓ \ell ℓ , with an effective threshold. For nonzero rational α ∈ ( − 1 , 1 ) \alpha\in(-1,1) α ∈ ( − 1 , 1 ) , one may replace the conclusion by 5 r > ℓ − 1 5r>\ell-1 5 r > ℓ − 1 , with an absolute effective threshold in ℓ \ell ℓ .
Proof. Write ℓ − r = 2 m + δ \ell-r=2m+\delta ℓ − r = 2 m + δ . If 17 r ≤ ℓ − 1 17r\leq\ell-1 17 r ≤ ℓ − 1 , then m ≥ 8 r m\geq8r m ≥ 8 r and m ≥ 8 ( ℓ − 1 ) / 17 m\geq8(\ell-1)/17 m ≥ 8 ( ℓ − 1 ) /17 . Choose L D L_D L D so that ℓ ≥ L D \ell\geq L_D ℓ ≥ L D forces m ≥ M 0 m\geq M_0 m ≥ M 0 and 2 m > D 2m>D 2 m > D under this inequality. Theorem 1.4 makes P ℓ ( r ) x δ P_\ell^{(r)}x^\delta P ℓ ( r ) x δ irreducible of degree 2 m 2m 2 m . If it vanishes at α \alpha α , this degree must equal [ Q ( α ) : Q ] ≤ D [\mathbb{Q}(\alpha):\mathbb{Q}]\leq D [ Q ( α ) : Q ] ≤ D , a contradiction.
For α = 1 / 3 \alpha= 1/\sqrt{3} α = 1/ 3 , its primitive integral minimal polynomial is F = 3 x 2 − 1 F = 3x^2 - 1 F = 3 x 2 − 1 . Here d = 2 d = 2 d = 2 , u = 3 u = 3 u = 3 , and c F = 1 c_F = 1 c F = 1 , because F ( 2 X + 1 ) = 12 X 2 + 12 X + 2 F(2X + 1) = 12X^2 + 12X + 2 F ( 2 X + 1 ) = 12 X 2 + 12 X + 2 . Thus β ( F ) = log 6 \beta(F) = \log6 β ( F ) = log 6 . The choice c = 19 / 8 c = 19/8 c = 19/8 is admissible in Proposition 6.3, since
19 8 ( log 6 − 1 ) − g ( 19 / 8 ) > 0.0042 ; \frac{19}{8}(\log6 - 1) - g(19/8) > 0.0042; 8 19 ( log 6 − 1 ) − g ( 19/8 ) > 0.0042 ;
an exact rational verification is given in Appendix C. If 23 r ≤ 4 ( ℓ − 1 ) 23r \le4(\ell- 1) 23 r ≤ 4 ( ℓ − 1 ) , then m ≥ 19 r / 8 m \ge19r/8 m ≥ 19 r /8 , so that proposition excludes the factor once ℓ \ell ℓ is large. Finally, 5 r ≤ ℓ − 1 5r \le\ell- 1 5 r ≤ ℓ − 1 implies m ≥ 2 r m \ge2r m ≥ 2 r . Now Corollary 6.4 applies, uniformly in the rational root. □
For this cone, Mangoubi and Weller Weiser show that r r r is even and that each fixed order r r r permits at most one degree ℓ \ell ℓ [20 Theorem 2] . The bound (104) restricts the two variables simultaneously: in large degree, a vanishing mode must have order greater than 4 ( ℓ − 1 ) / 23 4(\ell- 1)/23 4 ( ℓ − 1 ) /23 . These restrictions still leave infinitely many possible pairs, so the classification proposed by Agranovsky [1 §6, Question 4] remains open. The distinct generic existence problem of Agranovsky–Krasnov [2 ] was solved by Greilhuber [15 ] .
For comparison, the associated Legendre equation gives the opposite constraint
r 2 ≤ 2 3 ℓ ( ℓ + 1 ) ( r ≥ 1 ) r^2 \le\frac{2}{3}\ell(\ell+ 1) \qquad(r \ge1) r 2 ≤ 3 2 ℓ ( ℓ + 1 ) ( r ≥ 1 )
when P ℓ ( r ) ( 1 / 3 ) = 0 P_{\ell}^{(r)}(1/\sqrt{3}) = 0 P ℓ ( r ) ( 1/ 3 ) = 0 . Indeed, set y ( x ) = ( 1 − x 2 ) r / 2 P ℓ ( r ) ( x ) y(x) = (1 - x^2)^{r/2}P_{\ell}^{(r)}(x) y ( x ) = ( 1 − x 2 ) r /2 P ℓ ( r ) ( x ) . Integration by parts on [ 1 / 3 , 1 ] [1/\sqrt{3},1] [ 1/ 3 , 1 ] gives
ℓ ( ℓ + 1 ) ∫ 1 / 3 1 y 2 = ∫ 1 / 3 1 ( ( 1 − x 2 ) ( y ′ ) 2 + r 2 y 2 1 − x 2 ) > 3 r 2 2 ∫ 1 / 3 1 y 2 . \ell(\ell+ 1)\int_{1/\sqrt{3}}^1 y^2 = \int_{1/\sqrt{3}}^1 \left((1 - x^2)(y')^2 + \frac{r^2y^2}{1 - x^2}\right) > \frac{3r^2}{2}\int_{1/\sqrt{3}}^1 y^2. ℓ ( ℓ + 1 ) ∫ 1/ 3 1 y 2 = ∫ 1/ 3 1 ( ( 1 − x 2 ) ( y ′ ) 2 + 1 − x 2 r 2 y 2 ) > 2 3 r 2 ∫ 1/ 3 1 y 2 .
Both endpoint terms vanish. Thus the necessary conditions still leave a nonempty linear range of derivative orders.
Modular interpretations
The fractional parameters have a modular origin. Kaneko and Zagier’s characteristic-zero polynomials occur in modular-form solutions. At prime indices, adjoining the prescribed factors at 0 and 1728 gives a polynomial whose reduction is the supersingular j j j -polynomial [18 Theorem 1] . Theorem 1.1 determines the arithmetic of each positive-degree Jacobi factor: its roots form one Galois orbit over Q \mathbb{Q} Q , with symmetric splitting group. We record the normalization explicitly to relate this conclusion to the modular forms and differential equations in which the same polynomials occur.
For n ≥ 0 n \ge0 n ≥ 0 and λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } \lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\} λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } , put
r = 2 λ + 3 μ , e = 6 + r , ℓ = 12 n + e , (105) r = 2\lambda+ 3\mu,\qquad e = 6 + r,\qquad\ell= 12n + e, \tag*{(105)} r = 2 λ + 3 μ , e = 6 + r , ℓ = 12 n + e , (105)
and define
F ~ ℓ − 1 ( Y ) = 1728 n P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) ( 1 − Y / 864 ) . (106) \widetilde{F}_{\ell-1}(Y) = 1728^n P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)}(1 - Y/864). \tag*{(106)} F ℓ − 1 ( Y ) = 172 8 n P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) ( 1 − Y /864 ) . (106)
Here e ∈ { 1 , 5 , 7 , 11 } e \in\{1,5,7,11\} e ∈ { 1 , 5 , 7 , 11 } and the leading coefficient is
A n , r = ( − 1 ) n ( 2 n + r / 6 n ) . (107) A_{n,r} = (-1)^n \binom{2n + r/6}{n}. \tag*{(107)} A n , r = ( − 1 ) n ( n 2 n + r /6 ) . (107)
The affine substitution and nonzero rational scalar preserve irreducibility and splitting fields. Put a = ( λ + 1 ) / 2 a = (\lambda+ 1)/2 a = ( λ + 1 ) /2 and b = ( μ + 1 ) / 2 b = (\mu+ 1)/2 b = ( μ + 1 ) /2 , so k = ℓ − 1 = 12 n + 4 a + 6 b k = \ell- 1 = 12n + 4a + 6b k = ℓ − 1 = 12 n + 4 a + 6 b . The associated modular solution, with this normalization, is
F k ( z ) = Δ ( z ) n E 4 ( z ) a E 6 ( z ) b F ~ k ( j ( z ) ) , F_k(z) = \Delta(z)^n E_4(z)^a E_6(z)^b \widetilde{F}_k(j(z)), F k ( z ) = Δ ( z ) n E 4 ( z ) a E 6 ( z ) b F k ( j ( z )) ,
where E 4 , E 6 E_4,E_6 E 4 , E 6 are the normalized Eisenstein series, Δ \Delta Δ is the modular discriminant, and j = E 4 3 / Δ j = E_4^3/\Delta j = E 4 3 /Δ . Its Fourier constant term is A n , r A_{n,r} A n , r ; division by this constant gives the solution with constant term one. When ℓ ≥ 5 \ell\ge5 ℓ ≥ 5 is prime,
Y a ( Y − 1728 ) b F ~ ℓ − 1 ( Y ) Y^a(Y - 1728)^b\widetilde{F}_{\ell-1}(Y) Y a ( Y − 1728 ) b F ℓ − 1 ( Y )
has ℓ \ell ℓ -integral coefficients and reduces to the monic polynomial whose roots are the supersingular j j j -invariants in F ℓ \mathbb{F}_{\ell} F ℓ [18 Theorem 1] . Indeed, 2 n + r / 6 = ℓ / 6 − 1 2n+r/6=\ell/6-1 2 n + r /6 = ℓ /6 − 1 also gives A n , r ≡ 1 ( m o d ℓ ) A_{n,r}\equiv1\pmod{\ell} A n , r ≡ 1 ( mod ℓ ) . The same four Jacobi families occur as pole polynomials in modular differential equations [4 Theorem 4.2] .
The Legendre family has a related classical supersingular interpretation. For an odd prime p = 2 m + 1 p=2m+1 p = 2 m + 1 ,
( 1 − z ) m P m ( 1 + z 1 − z ) = ∑ j = 0 m ( m j ) 2 z j (1-z)^mP_m\left(\frac{1+z}{1-z}\right)=\sum_{j=0}^{m}\binom{m}{j}^{2}z^j ( 1 − z ) m P m ( 1 − z 1 + z ) = j = 0 ∑ m ( j m ) 2 z j
The reduction is a Hasse polynomial for y 2 = x ( x − 1 ) ( x − z ) y^2=x(x-1)(x-z) y 2 = x ( x − 1 ) ( x − z ) : for z ≠ 0 , 1 z\ne0,1 z = 0 , 1 it vanishes exactly at the supersingular Legendre curves [5 §1] .
Hyperelliptic Jacobians
For the curve y 2 = f ( x ) y^2=f(x) y 2 = f ( x ) , the roots of f f f are the finite branch points of the double cover of the projective line. Divisor classes supported on the branch points describe the 2 2 2 -torsion of its Jacobian, linking the permutation group of the roots to the arithmetic of the abelian variety. Zarhin’s theorems show that, in the degree range below, the full symmetric group forces the geometric endomorphism ring to be Z \mathbb{Z} Z , gives the Hodge group Sp \operatorname{Sp} Sp , and gives the ℓ \ell ℓ -adic Lie algebra Q ℓ Id ⊕ s p \mathbb{Q}_{\ell}\operatorname{Id}\oplus\mathfrak{sp} Q ℓ Id ⊕ sp [28 ] . They also determine the Hodge and Tate classes on all powers. The following corollary collects these consequences under one Galois-group hypothesis.
Corollary 6.6. Let f ∈ Q [ x ] f\in\mathbb{Q}[x] f ∈ Q [ x ] be separable of degree d ≥ 9 d\ge9 d ≥ 9 with Gal ( f / Q ) = S d \operatorname{Gal}(f/\mathbb{Q})=S_d Gal ( f / Q ) = S d , and let J f J_f J f be the Jacobian of the smooth projective curve with affine equation y 2 = f ( x ) y^2=f(x) y 2 = f ( x ) . Then
dim J f = ⌊ d − 1 2 ⌋ , End Q ( J f ) = Z . \dim J_f=\left\lfloor\frac{d-1}{2}\right\rfloor,\qquad\operatorname{End}_{\mathbb{Q}}(J_f)=\mathbb{Z}. dim J f = ⌊ 2 d − 1 ⌋ , End Q ( J f ) = Z . For V = H 1 ( J f ( C ) , Q ) V=H_1(J_f(\mathbb{C}),\mathbb{Q}) V = H 1 ( J f ( C ) , Q ) and the alternating form ψ \psi ψ induced by the principal polarization,
Hdg ( J f ) = Sp ( V , ψ ) , MT ( J f ) = GSp ( V , ψ ) . \operatorname{Hdg}(J_f)=\operatorname{Sp}(V,\psi),\qquad\operatorname{MT}(J_f)=\operatorname{GSp}(V,\psi). Hdg ( J f ) = Sp ( V , ψ ) , MT ( J f ) = GSp ( V , ψ ) . For every number field K ⊂ Q ‾ K\subset\overline{\mathbb{Q}} K ⊂ Q and every prime ℓ \ell ℓ , put V ℓ = T ℓ ( J f ) ⊗ Z ℓ Q ℓ V_\ell=T_\ell(J_f)\otimes_{\mathbb{Z}_\ell}\mathbb{Q}_\ell V ℓ = T ℓ ( J f ) ⊗ Z ℓ Q ℓ , and let ψ ℓ \psi_\ell ψ ℓ be the alternating Weil pairing with values in Q ℓ ( 1 ) \mathbb{Q}_\ell(1) Q ℓ ( 1 ) induced by the principal polarization. The image of Gal ( Q ‾ / K ) \operatorname{Gal}(\overline{\mathbb{Q}}/K) Gal ( Q / K ) on V ℓ V_\ell V ℓ has Lie algebra
Q ℓ Id ⊕ s p ( V ℓ , ψ ℓ ) . \mathbb{Q}_\ell\operatorname{Id}\oplus\mathfrak{sp}(V_\ell,\psi_\ell). Q ℓ Id ⊕ sp ( V ℓ , ψ ℓ ) . Every rational Hodge class on every power of J f J_f J f is a rational linear combination of products of divisor classes. For every h ≥ 1 h\ge1 h ≥ 1 and c ≥ 0 c\ge0 c ≥ 0 , the cycle-class map
CH c ( ( J f h ) K ) ⊗ Q ℓ ⟶ H e ˊ t 2 c ( ( J f h ) Q ‾ , Q ℓ ( c ) ) Gal ( Q ‾ / K ) \operatorname{CH}^{c}((J_f^h)_K)\otimes\mathbb{Q}_\ell\longrightarrow H^{2c}_{\mathrm{\acute et}}((J_f^h)_{\overline{\mathbb{Q}}},\mathbb{Q}_\ell(c))^{\operatorname{Gal}(\overline{\mathbb{Q}}/K)} CH c (( J f h ) K ) ⊗ Q ℓ ⟶ H e ˊ t 2 c (( J f h ) Q , Q ℓ ( c ) ) Gal ( Q / K ) is surjective. The Hodge, Tate and Mumford–Tate conjectures therefore hold for J f J_f J f and all its powers.
Proof. These are consequences of Zarhin’s theorems [28 ] : Theorem 2.4 gives the geometric endomorphism ring, Theorem 2.6 gives the scalar plus symplectic ℓ \ell ℓ -adic Lie algebra, Theorem 8.1 gives the Tate statement over every finite extension and on every power, and Theorem 9.1 and Remark 9.2 give the Hodge and Mumford–Tate conclusions. Passing to a number field preserves the Lie algebra because the Galois subgroup has finite index. For powers, the groups act diagonally on direct sums. A Galois-invariant class represented by algebraic cycles over a finite extension descends with rational coefficients by averaging over a finite Galois extension.
For the Kaneko–Zagier family, take f = P d ( ℓ / 3 , μ / 2 ) f=P_d^{(\ell/3,\mu/2)} f = P d ( ℓ /3 , μ /2 ) and apply Theorem 1.1. For fixed unequal nonnegative integers a , b a,b a , b , take f = P d ( a , b ) f=P_d^{(a,b)} f = P d ( a , b ) with d ≥ max { 9 , N ( a , b ) } d\ge\max\{9,N(a,b)\} d ≥ max { 9 , N ( a , b )} and apply Theorem 1.3. For a dominant factor h n h_n h n in Theorem 1.6, use its actual degree d = M n d=M_n d = M n .
For the derivative families, fix r r r and take f = Q m , r , δ f=Q_{m,r,\delta} f = Q m , r , δ with m ≥ 9 m\ge9 m ≥ 9 sufficiently large in Corollary 1.7. The substitution t = x 2 t=x^2 t = x 2 also gives the map
{ y 2 = F m , r , δ ( x ) } ⟶ { y 2 = Q m , r , δ ( t ) } , ( x , y ) ⟼ ( x 2 , y ) . \{y^2=F_{m,r,\delta}(x)\}\longrightarrow\{y^2=Q_{m,r,\delta}(t)\},\qquad(x,y)\longmapsto(x^2,y). { y 2 = F m , r , δ ( x )} ⟶ { y 2 = Q m , r , δ ( t )} , ( x , y ) ⟼ ( x 2 , y ) .
This map extends to a degree-two morphism of the smooth projective models. It is the curve on the right whose defining polynomial has group S m S_m S m and hence satisfies the preceding corollary. The polynomial F m , r , δ F_{m,r,\delta} F m , r , δ has group W m W_m W m ; that group does not satisfy the symmetric-group hypothesis.
Further questions
The fixed rational-parameter theorem leaves a precise irreducibility problem.
Question 6.7. Suppose α , β > − 1 \alpha,\beta>-1 α , β > − 1 are rational and satisfy the denominator conditions of Theorem 1.6 . Is P n ( α , β ) P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)} P n ( α , β ) irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q for all sufficiently large n n n ?
The theorem bounds the complementary degree by O α , β , A ( n / ( log n ) A ) O_{\alpha,\beta,A}(n/(\log n)^A) O α , β , A ( n / ( log n ) A ) for every fixed A > 0 A>0 A > 0 . This permits a bounded nonconstant factor. To exclude it, the resultant comparison would need sufficient control of the primitive content, the moment valuations, and the root distances at the denominator primes. An explicit criterion in the parameters for a positive comparison gap would identify further families to which the method applies.
For integral parameters, the exceptional degrees form an effective finite set. Classifying them calls for more information about the central numerators and small factors. In the symmetric case, all-degree irreducibility cannot hold for every fixed r r r :
C 2 7 / 2 ( x ) = 7 2 ( 3 x − 1 ) ( 3 x + 1 ) . C_{2}^{7/2}(x)=\frac{7}{2}(3x-1)(3x+1). C 2 7/2 ( x ) = 2 7 ( 3 x − 1 ) ( 3 x + 1 ) .
The cases r = 0 , 1 r=0,1 r = 0 , 1 have no exceptions. Which other values of r r r have this property, and how far can the uniform range m ≥ 8 r m\geq8r m ≥ 8 r be enlarged? The constant 8 is a sufficient bound and is not claimed to be optimal. Corollary 1.7 settles eventual maximality for each fixed r r r ; it leaves the all-degree Galois groups of the first-derivative families and uniform Galois estimates for growing r r r as separate questions.
The prescribed-factor estimate suggests a related question: how does the arithmetic of a minimal polynomial constrain the occurrence of its roots in varying Jacobi families? The cone x 2 + y 2 − 2 z 2 = 0 x^2+y^2-2z^2=0 x 2 + y 2 − 2 z 2 = 0 gives one concrete instance. The bound 23 r > 4 ( ℓ − 1 ) 23r>4(\ell-1) 23 r > 4 ( ℓ − 1 ) is uniform in degree and order, but it leaves infinitely many possible pairs and does not complete the classification of harmonic modes on that cone.
Finally, the local results in Appendix § 7 come from a dilation of digit-sum Newton polygons. A general description of when multiplication of the degree by a denominator prime dilates the lower hull could yield further local irreducibility sequences, including cases where the global resultant comparison gives no contradiction.
Local irreducibility
Rational irreducibility does not in general imply irreducibility over a completion. The following result gives the latter conclusion in two infinite sequences of degrees.
Theorem A.1. For every integer a ≥ 0 a\geq0 a ≥ 0 and every λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } \lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\} λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } , P 3 a ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) P_{3^a}^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)} P 3 a ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) is irreducible over Q 3 \mathbb{Q}_3 Q 3 . The polynomial P 5 ⋅ 3 a ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) P_{5\cdot3^a}^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)} P 5 ⋅ 3 a ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) is irreducible over Q 3 \mathbb{Q}_3 Q 3 precisely when μ = − 1 \mu=-1 μ = − 1 or a ≥ 2 a\geq2 a ≥ 2 . For μ = 1 \mu=1 μ = 1 , the local factor degrees are 1 , 1 , 3 1,1,3 1 , 1 , 3 when a = 0 a=0 a = 0 , and 2 , 13 2,13 2 , 13 when a = 1 a=1 a = 1 .
The first assertion follows from a general prime-power criterion. The second follows from a dilation identity for the lower convex hull of a digit-sum function.
Irreducibility in prime-power degrees
A denominator in one parameter, together with an exact valuation in the other, forces a single Newton edge.
Theorem A.2. Let p p p be a prime, a ≥ 1 a\geq1 a ≥ 1 , n = p a n=p^a n = p a , and let α , β ∈ Q \alpha,\beta\in\mathbb{Q} α , β ∈ Q . Suppose
v p ( α ) = − e < 0 , v p ( β ) ≥ 0 , v p ( ( β + 1 ) n ) = v p ( n ! ) = n − 1 p − 1 . v_p(\alpha)=-e<0,\qquad v_p(\beta)\geq0,\qquad v_p((\beta+1)_n)=v_p(n!)=\frac{n-1}{p-1}. v p ( α ) = − e < 0 , v p ( β ) ≥ 0 , v p (( β + 1 ) n ) = v p ( n !) = p − 1 n − 1 .
Then P n ( α , β ) P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)} P n ( α , β ) is irreducible over Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p . More precisely, the monic polynomial
n ! P n ( α , β ) ( 2 X − 1 ) ( n + α + β + 1 ) n \frac{n!P_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(2X-1)}{(n+\alpha+\beta+1)_n} ( n + α + β + 1 ) n n ! P n ( α , β ) ( 2 X − 1 )
has a single Newton edge joining
( 0 , e n + n − 1 p − 1 ) and ( n , 0 ) , \left(0,en+\frac{n-1}{p-1}\right)\quad\text{and}\quad(n,0), ( 0 , e n + p − 1 n − 1 ) and ( n , 0 ) ,
with every intermediate coefficient point strictly above the edge.
Proof. Every denominator factor in (58) has valuation − e -e − e . Put h j = v p ( ( β + 1 ) j ) h_j=v_p((\beta+1)_j) h j = v p (( β + 1 ) j ) and h 0 = 0 h_0=0 h 0 = 0 . For 1 ≤ i ≤ a 1\leq i\leq a 1 ≤ i ≤ a , exactly n / p i n/p^i n / p i of β + 1 , … , β + n \beta+1,\ldots,\beta+n β + 1 , … , β + n belong to p i Z p p^i\mathbb{Z}_p p i Z p . The hypothesis on h n h_n h n therefore shows that none belongs to p a + 1 Z p p^{a+1}\mathbb{Z}_p p a + 1 Z p . For 1 ≤ j < n 1\leq j<n 1 ≤ j < n , write t = v p ( j ) t=v_p(j) t = v p ( j ) . Counting residue classes gives
h j ≤ ∑ i = 1 a ⌊ j p i ⌋ = v p ( j ! ) + a − t , v p ( ( n j ) ) = a − t . h_j\leq\sum_{i=1}^{a}\left\lfloor\frac{j}{p^i}\right\rfloor=v_p(j!)+a-t,\qquad v_p\left(\binom{n}{j}\right)=a-t. h j ≤ i = 1 ∑ a ⌊ p i j ⌋ = v p ( j !) + a − t , v p ( ( j n ) ) = a − t .
If b j b_j b j is the coefficient of X j X^j X j , then
v p ( b j ) = e ( n − j ) + v p ( ( n j ) ) + h n − h j ≥ e ( n − j ) + h n − v p ( j ! ) . v_p(b_j)=e(n-j)+v_p\left(\binom{n}{j}\right)+h_n-h_j\geq e(n-j)+h_n-v_p(j!). v p ( b j ) = e ( n − j ) + v p ( ( j n ) ) + h n − h j ≥ e ( n − j ) + h n − v p ( j !) .
Writing H = e n + ( n − 1 ) / ( p − 1 ) H=en+(n-1)/(p-1) H = e n + ( n − 1 ) / ( p − 1 ) , the difference from the proposed edge is at least
v p ( b j ) − H ( 1 − j n ) ≥ s p ( j ) − j / n p − 1 > 0. v_p(b_j)-H\left(1-\frac{j}{n}\right)\geq\frac{s_p(j)-j/n}{p-1}>0. v p ( b j ) − H ( 1 − n j ) ≥ p − 1 s p ( j ) − j / n > 0.
The endpoint valuations are H H H and 0. Since H ≡ 1 ( m o d p ) H\equiv1\pmod p H ≡ 1 ( mod p ) , one has ( H , n ) = 1 (H,n)=1 ( H , n ) = 1 . Every root has valuation H / n H/n H / n , so a monic factor over Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p of degree d d d would have constant-term valuation d H / n ∈ Z dH/n\in\mathbb{Z} d H / n ∈ Z . Hence n ∣ d n\mid d n ∣ d , proving irreducibility. □
Corollary A.3. Let p p p be an odd prime, let a ≥ 1 a\geq1 a ≥ 1 be an integer, and let α ∈ Q \alpha\in\mathbb{Q} α ∈ Q satisfy v p ( α ) < 0 v_p(\alpha)<0 v p ( α ) < 0 . Both P p a ( α , − 1 / 2 ) P_{p^a}^{(\alpha,-1/2)} P p a ( α , − 1/2 ) and P p a ( α , 1 / 2 ) P_{p^a}^{(\alpha,1/2)} P p a ( α , 1/2 ) are irreducible over Q p \mathbb{Q}_p Q p . In particular, for every a ≥ 1 a\geq1 a ≥ 1 all four P 3 a ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) P_{3^a}^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)} P 3 a ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) are irreducible over Q 3 \mathbb{Q}_3 Q 3 .
Proof. For n = p a n=p^a n = p a and odd p p p ,
( 1 / 2 ) n = ( 2 n ) ! 4 n n ! , ( 3 / 2 ) n = ( 2 n + 1 ) ! 4 n n ! , (1/2)_n=\frac{(2n)!}{4^n n!},\qquad(3/2)_n=\frac{(2n+1)!}{4^n n!}, ( 1/2 ) n = 4 n n ! ( 2 n )! , ( 3/2 ) n = 4 n n ! ( 2 n + 1 )! , and v p ( ( 2 n ) ! ) = v p ( ( 2 n + 1 ) ! ) = 2 ( n − 1 ) / ( p − 1 ) v_p((2n)!)=v_p((2n+1)!)=2(n-1)/(p-1) v p (( 2 n )!) = v p (( 2 n + 1 )!) = 2 ( n − 1 ) / ( p − 1 ) . Apply Theorem A.2. The degree-one case in Theorem A.1 is immediate. □
A dilation law and the degrees 5 times powers of 3
Fix n ≥ 1 n \ge1 n ≥ 1 and λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } \lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\} λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } . A dilation identity gives another sequence of irreducible degrees. All valuations in this subsection are normalized by v 3 ( 3 ) = 1 v_{3}(3)=1 v 3 ( 3 ) = 1 , and s 3 ( r ) s_{3}(r) s 3 ( r ) denotes the sum of the base-3 digits of a nonnegative integer r r r .
Legendre’s formula v 3 ( k ! ) = ( k − s 3 ( k ) ) / 2 v_{3}(k!)=(k-s_{3}(k))/2 v 3 ( k !) = ( k − s 3 ( k )) /2 separates each coefficient valuation into a linear term and a digit correction. Only the correction affects the vertices of the Newton polygon. Multiplying the degree by 3 shifts the base-3 digits; the lemma below shows exactly how this stretches the lower convex hull.
For δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } set
Φ n , δ ( j ) = s 3 ( 2 j + δ ) + s 3 ( n − j ) − s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) ( 0 ≤ j ≤ n ) , \Phi_{n,\delta}(j)=s_{3}(2j+\delta)+s_{3}(n-j)-s_{3}(2n+\delta) \qquad(0\le j\le n), Φ n , δ ( j ) = s 3 ( 2 j + δ ) + s 3 ( n − j ) − s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) ( 0 ≤ j ≤ n ) ,
and let H n , δ H_{n,\delta} H n , δ be the lower convex hull of these points, viewed as a piecewise linear function on [ 0 , n ] [0,n] [ 0 , n ] . The monic polynomial
T n λ , μ ( X ) = n ! ( n + λ / 3 + μ / 2 + 1 ) n P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) ( 2 X − 1 ) T_{n}^{\lambda,\mu}(X)=\frac{n!}{(n+\lambda/3+\mu/2+1)_{n}}P_{n}^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)}(2X-1) T n λ , μ ( X ) = ( n + λ /3 + μ /2 + 1 ) n n ! P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) ( 2 X − 1 )
has coefficients
b j = ( − 1 ) n − j ( n j ) ∏ r = j + 1 n 3 ( 2 r + μ ) 6 ( n + r ) + 2 λ + 3 μ . b_j=(-1)^{n-j}\binom{n}{j}\prod_{r=j+1}^{n}\frac{3(2r+\mu)}{6(n+r)+2\lambda+3\mu}. b j = ( − 1 ) n − j ( j n ) r = j + 1 ∏ n 6 ( n + r ) + 2 λ + 3 μ 3 ( 2 r + μ ) .
Since each denominator in this product is a 3-adic unit,
v 3 ( b j ) = n − j + v 3 ( ( 2 n + δ ) ! ) − v 3 ( ( 2 j + δ ) ! ) − v 3 ( ( n − j ) ! ) = 3 2 ( n − j ) + 1 2 Φ n , δ ( j ) , δ = μ + 1 2 . (108) v_{3}(b_j)=n-j+v_{3}((2n+\delta)!)-v_{3}((2j+\delta)!)-v_{3}((n-j)!)=\frac{3}{2}(n-j)+\frac{1}{2}\Phi_{n,\delta}(j),\qquad\delta=\frac{\mu+1}{2}. \tag*{(108)} v 3 ( b j ) = n − j + v 3 (( 2 n + δ )!) − v 3 (( 2 j + δ )!) − v 3 (( n − j )!) = 2 3 ( n − j ) + 2 1 Φ n , δ ( j ) , δ = 2 μ + 1 . (108)
Thus its Newton polygon is obtained from H n , δ H_{n,\delta} H n , δ by a vertical scaling and the addition of a linear function. In particular it does not depend on λ \lambda λ .
Lemma A.5. For every integer m ≥ 1 m\ge1 m ≥ 1 ,
H 3 m , 0 ( x ) = H m , 0 ( x / 3 ) ( 0 ≤ x ≤ 3 m ) , H 9 m , 1 ( x ) = H m , 0 ( x / 9 ) ( 0 ≤ x ≤ 9 m ) . H_{3m,0}(x)=H_{m,0}(x/3)\qquad(0\le x\le3m),\qquad H_{9m,1}(x)=H_{m,0}(x/9)\qquad(0\le x\le9m). H 3 m , 0 ( x ) = H m , 0 ( x /3 ) ( 0 ≤ x ≤ 3 m ) , H 9 m , 1 ( x ) = H m , 0 ( x /9 ) ( 0 ≤ x ≤ 9 m ) . All points whose abscissae are not divisible by 3, respectively by 9, lie strictly above the indicated hull.
Proof. First, all slopes of H m , 0 H_{m,0} H m , 0 belong to [ − 1 , 1 ] [-1,1] [ − 1 , 1 ] . Digit subadditivity gives
Φ m , 0 ( j ) − Φ m , 0 ( 0 ) = s 3 ( 2 j ) + s 3 ( m − j ) − s 3 ( m ) ≥ − s 3 ( j ) ≥ − j . \Phi_{m,0}(j)-\Phi_{m,0}(0)=s_{3}(2j)+s_{3}(m-j)-s_{3}(m)\ge-s_{3}(j)\ge-j. Φ m , 0 ( j ) − Φ m , 0 ( 0 ) = s 3 ( 2 j ) + s 3 ( m − j ) − s 3 ( m ) ≥ − s 3 ( j ) ≥ − j .
Writing t = m − j t=m-j t = m − j , it also gives
Φ m , 0 ( j ) ≥ s 3 ( t ) − s 3 ( 2 t ) ≥ − s 3 ( t ) ≥ − t . \Phi_{m,0}(j)\ge s_{3}(t)-s_{3}(2t)\ge-s_{3}(t)\ge-t. Φ m , 0 ( j ) ≥ s 3 ( t ) − s 3 ( 2 t ) ≥ − s 3 ( t ) ≥ − t .
These inequalities bound the first and last slopes of the convex hull, and hence every slope, as asserted.
For 0 ≤ k < m 0\le k<m 0 ≤ k < m , put u = v 3 ( m − k ) u=v_{3}(m-k) u = v 3 ( m − k ) and w = v 3 ( k + 1 ) w=v_{3}(k+1) w = v 3 ( k + 1 ) . The identity s 3 ( r − 1 ) = s 3 ( r ) − 1 + 2 v 3 ( r ) s_{3}(r-1)=s_{3}(r)-1+2v_{3}(r) s 3 ( r − 1 ) = s 3 ( r ) − 1 + 2 v 3 ( r ) for r ≥ 1 r\ge1 r ≥ 1 yields
Φ 3 m , 0 ( 3 k ) = Φ m , 0 ( k ) , Φ 3 m , 0 ( 3 k + 1 ) = Φ m , 0 ( k ) + 3 + 2 u , Φ 3 m , 0 ( 3 k + 2 ) = Φ m , 0 ( k + 1 ) + 1 + 2 w . \begin{aligned}
\Phi_{3m,0}(3k)&=\Phi_{m,0}(k),\\
\Phi_{3m,0}(3k+1)&=\Phi_{m,0}(k)+3+2u,\\
\Phi_{3m,0}(3k+2)&=\Phi_{m,0}(k+1)+1+2w.
\end{aligned} Φ 3 m , 0 ( 3 k ) Φ 3 m , 0 ( 3 k + 1 ) Φ 3 m , 0 ( 3 k + 2 ) = Φ m , 0 ( k ) , = Φ m , 0 ( k ) + 3 + 2 u , = Φ m , 0 ( k + 1 ) + 1 + 2 w .
The endpoint identity also holds at k = m k=m k = m . The hull through the abscissae divisible by 3 is exactly H m , 0 ( x / 3 ) H_{m,0}(x/3) H m , 0 ( x /3 ) , and its slopes lie in [ − 1 / 3 , 1 / 3 ] [-1/3,1/3] [ − 1/3 , 1/3 ] . The second displayed point is at least 3 above the preceding grid point, while the third is at least 1 above the following grid point. Each is therefore strictly above this hull. This proves the first identity.
For the second identity, the grid points satisfy Φ 9 m , 1 ( 9 k ) = Φ m , 0 ( k ) \Phi_{9m,1}(9k)=\Phi_{m,0}(k) Φ 9 m , 1 ( 9 k ) = Φ m , 0 ( k ) for 0 ≤ k ≤ m 0\le k\le m 0 ≤ k ≤ m . The remaining digit calculations are
r 1 2 3 Φ 9 m , 1 ( 9 k + r ) − Φ m , 0 ( k ) − 2 u 3 4 3 \begin{array}{c|ccc}
r&1&2&3\\
\Phi_{9m,1}(9k+r)-\Phi_{m,0}(k)-2u&3&4&3
\end{array} r Φ 9 m , 1 ( 9 k + r ) − Φ m , 0 ( k ) − 2 u 1 3 2 4 3 3
r 4 5 6 7 8 Φ 9 m , 1 ( 9 k + r ) − Φ m , 0 ( k + 1 ) − 2 w 1 2 1 2 3 \begin{array}{c|ccccc}
r&4&5&6&7&8\\
\Phi_{9m,1}(9k+r)-\Phi_{m,0}(k+1)-2w&1&2&1&2&3
\end{array} r Φ 9 m , 1 ( 9 k + r ) − Φ m , 0 ( k + 1 ) − 2 w 4 1 5 2 6 1 7 2 8 3
They follow by separating the last two base-3 digits and using the same identity for s 3 ( r − 1 ) s_{3}(r-1) s 3 ( r − 1 ) . The dilated hull has slopes in [ − 1 / 9 , 1 / 9 ] [-1/9,1/9] [ − 1/9 , 1/9 ] . For 1 ≤ r ≤ 3 1 \le r \le3 1 ≤ r ≤ 3 , comparison with the preceding grid point shows a strict excess of at least 3 − r / 9 3-r/9 3 − r /9 . For 4 ≤ r ≤ 8 4 \le r \le8 4 ≤ r ≤ 8 , comparison with the following grid point shows a strict excess of at least 1 − ( 9 − r ) / 9 1-(9-r)/9 1 − ( 9 − r ) /9 . Thus every off-grid point is strictly above the dilated hull, proving the second identity. □
Completion of the proof of Theorem A.1. Corollary A.3 treats the degrees 3 a 3^{a} 3 a . Let n = 5 ⋅ 3 a n=5\cdot3^{a} n = 5 ⋅ 3 a . We prove the remaining assertion and determine the Newton edge. The six values Φ 5 , 0 ( j ) \Phi_{5,0}(j) Φ 5 , 0 ( j ) are
1 , 2 , 1 , 2 , 3 , 0. 1,\ 2,\ 1,\ 2,\ 3,\ 0. 1 , 2 , 1 , 2 , 3 , 0.
Their lower hull is the segment from ( 0 , 1 ) (0,1) ( 0 , 1 ) to ( 5 , 0 ) (5,0) ( 5 , 0 ) , with all intermediate points strictly above it. Repeated application of the first identity in Lemma A.5 gives the same hull stretched horizontally to length n = 5 ⋅ 3 a n=5\cdot3^{a} n = 5 ⋅ 3 a when μ = − 1 \mu=-1 μ = − 1 . For μ = 1 \mu=1 μ = 1 and a ≥ 2 a\ge2 a ≥ 2 , first use the second identity and then the first. Formula (A.1) gives a single edge
( 0 , ( 3 n + 1 ) / 2 ) − ( n , 0 ) , (0,(3n+1)/2)-(n,0), ( 0 , ( 3 n + 1 ) /2 ) − ( n , 0 ) ,
with every intermediate coefficient point strictly above it. Since n n n is odd,
gcd ( n , 3 n + 1 2 ) = 1. \gcd\left(n,\frac{3n+1}{2}\right)=1. g cd( n , 2 3 n + 1 ) = 1.
The constant term of a monic factor of degree d d d over Q 3 \mathbb{Q}_{3} Q 3 would therefore have valuation d ( 3 n + 1 ) / ( 2 n ) d(3n+1)/(2n) d ( 3 n + 1 ) / ( 2 n ) , an integer only when n ∣ d n\mid d n ∣ d . This proves local irreducibility in the stated range. For the two omitted cases μ = 1 \mu=1 μ = 1 , the same coefficient formula gives the following Newton polygons, independently of λ \lambda λ :
Table 1 (PDF p. 49).
Each side has relatively prime height and horizontal length. The Newton-polygon factorization therefore has one irreducible factor of each listed degree. Both polynomials are reducible, which proves the converse and the asserted factor degrees. □
The explicit cutoff and finite verification
The positive gap in § 4.5 already gives eventual irreducibility. Here we keep enough of the error terms to obtain a numerical cutoff. The useful quantity is S n + log g n S_n+\log g_n S n + log g n : the real estimate gives a lower bound for it if a factorization exists, while the joint content and moment calculation gives an upper bound. The estimates below make these bounds incompatible for n ≥ 250 000 n\ge250\,000 n ≥ 250 000 . A separate finite comparison completes the proof below that cutoff.
An explicit cutoff
B.1. An explicit cutoff. Let α = λ / 3 \alpha=\lambda/3 α = λ /3 , β = μ / 2 \beta=\mu/2 β = μ /2 , with λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } \lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\} λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } , and retain the notation H n H_n H n , g n g_n g n , S n S_n S n , L n L_n L n , and J n J_n J n from the exact criterion. Write T 2 = T 2 , n T_2=T_{2,n} T 2 = T 2 , n , T 3 = T 3 , n T_3=T_{3,n} T 3 = T 3 , n , and put
N 0 = 250 000 , r = 2 λ + 3 μ , δ = μ + 1 2 , E = 1 2 log 2 + 1 3 log 3 , L ∗ = log ( 4 + 3 3 ) . N_0=250\,000,\qquad r=2\lambda+3\mu,\qquad\delta=\frac{\mu+1}{2},\qquad E=\frac{1}{2}\log2+\frac{1}{3}\log3,\qquad L_*=\log(4+3\sqrt{3}). N 0 = 250 000 , r = 2 λ + 3 μ , δ = 2 μ + 1 , E = 2 1 log 2 + 3 1 log 3 , L ∗ = log ( 4 + 3 3 ) .
Proposition B.1. For every n ≥ 250 000 n\ge250\,000 n ≥ 250 000 and every λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } \lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\} λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } , P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)} P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q .
We prove the proposition in three steps. We use the notation
θ ( x ; q , a ) = ∑ p ≤ x prime p ≡ a ( m o d q ) log p , θ ( x ) = ∑ p ≤ x prime log p , ψ ( x ) = ∑ p h ≤ x log p . \theta(x;q,a)=\sum_{\substack{p\le x\ \text{prime}\\ p\equiv a\pmod q}}\log p,\qquad
\theta(x)=\sum_{p\le x\ \text{prime}}\log p,\qquad
\psi(x)=\sum_{p^h\le x}\log p. θ ( x ; q , a ) = p ≤ x prime p ≡ a ( mod q ) ∑ log p , θ ( x ) = p ≤ x prime ∑ log p , ψ ( x ) = p h ≤ x ∑ log p .
The necessary archimedean inequality
For every proper factorization with smaller degree 1 ≤ k ≤ n / 2 1 \le k \le n/2 1 ≤ k ≤ n /2 , we claim
S n + log g n ≥ n ( L ∗ − E ) − 6 log ( 12 n ) ( n ≥ N 0 ) . (109) S_n+\log g_n \ge n(L_* - E)-6\log(12n) \qquad(n \ge N_0). \tag*{(109)} S n + log g n ≥ n ( L ∗ − E ) − 6 log ( 12 n ) ( n ≥ N 0 ) . (109)
Put
b n = v 2 ( n + α n ) . b_n=v_2\binom{n+\alpha}{n}. b n = v 2 ( n n + α ) .
The level-by-level binomial valuation formula gives 0 ≤ b n ≤ log 2 ( 3 n + 1 ) 0 \le b_n \le\log_2(3n+1) 0 ≤ b n ≤ log 2 ( 3 n + 1 ) . The endpoint identities become
D 2 , n = 2 n − s 2 ( n ) + b n , D 3 , n = 3 n 2 + δ + s 3 ( n ) − s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) 2 . D_{2,n}=2n-s_2(n)+b_n,\qquad D_{3,n}=\frac{3n}{2}+\frac{\delta+s_3(n)-s_3(2n+\delta)}{2}. D 2 , n = 2 n − s 2 ( n ) + b n , D 3 , n = 2 3 n + 2 δ + s 3 ( n ) − s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) .
Also
log κ n = ( 2 n − s 2 ( n ) ) log 2 + ( 3 n / 2 − s 3 ( n ) / 2 ) log 3. \log\kappa_n=(2n-s_2(n))\log2+(3n/2-s_3(n)/2)\log3. log κ n = ( 2 n − s 2 ( n )) log 2 + ( 3 n /2 − s 3 ( n ) /2 ) log 3.
Using s p ( m ) ≤ ( p − 1 ) ( 1 + log p m ) s_p(m)\le(p-1)(1+\log_p m) s p ( m ) ≤ ( p − 1 ) ( 1 + log p m ) gives
n L n ≥ n L ∗ − log ( 6 n + 3 ) nL_n\ge nL_*-\log(6n+3) n L n ≥ n L ∗ − log ( 6 n + 3 )
and
log κ n − n ( T 2 + T 3 ) ≥ − log ( 3 n + 1 ) − 2 log ( 3 n ) − 1 2 log 3. \log\kappa_n-n(T_2+T_3)\ge-\log(3n+1)-2\log(3n)-\frac{1}{2}\log3. log κ n − n ( T 2 + T 3 ) ≥ − log ( 3 n + 1 ) − 2 log ( 3 n ) − 2 1 log 3.
Furthermore,
J n ≤ 1 2 log ( 2 n ) + 1 3 log ( 6 n + 3 ) . J_n\le\frac{1}{2}\log(2n)+\frac{1}{3}\log(6n+3). J n ≤ 2 1 log ( 2 n ) + 3 1 log ( 6 n + 3 ) .
The Wronskian constant satisfies C n ≥ 1 / 3 C_n\ge1/3 C n ≥ 1/3 . Indeed, C 1 = ( α + 1 ) ( β + 1 ) ≥ 1 / 3 C_1=(\alpha+1)(\beta+1)\ge1/3 C 1 = ( α + 1 ) ( β + 1 ) ≥ 1/3 and
C m + 1 C m = 1 + α β ( m + 1 ) ( m + c + 1 ) , c = α + β . \frac{C_{m+1}}{C_m}=1+\frac{\alpha\beta}{(m+1)(m+c+1)},\qquad c=\alpha+\beta. C m C m + 1 = 1 + ( m + 1 ) ( m + c + 1 ) α β , c = α + β .
If α β > 0 \alpha\beta>0 α β > 0 , this ratio exceeds one. Otherwise α β = − 1 / 6 \alpha\beta=-1/6 α β = − 1/6 , C 1 ≥ 2 / 3 C_1\ge2/3 C 1 ≥ 2/3 , and, for m ≥ 1 m\ge1 m ≥ 1 ,
C m + 1 C m ≥ 1 − 1 6 m ( m + 1 ) . \frac{C_{m+1}}{C_m}\ge1-\frac{1}{6m(m+1)}. C m C m + 1 ≥ 1 − 6 m ( m + 1 ) 1 .
The product is at least 1 − ∑ m ≥ 1 1 / ( 6 m ( m + 1 ) ) = 5 / 6 1-\sum_{m\ge1}1/(6m(m+1))=5/6 1 − ∑ m ≥ 1 1/ ( 6 m ( m + 1 )) = 5/6 , so in that case C n ≥ 5 / 9 C_n\ge5/9 C n ≥ 5/9 . In particular 2 C n ≥ 1 2\sqrt{C_n}\ge1 2 C n ≥ 1 .
Let a n = T 2 + T 3 + E − 2 L n + 2 log 2 a_n=T_2+T_3+E-2L_n+2\log2 a n = T 2 + T 3 + E − 2 L n + 2 log 2 . The displayed endpoint bounds give, for n ≥ N 0 n\ge N_0 n ≥ N 0 ,
∣ T 2 − T 3 ∣ ≤ 3 2 log 3 − 2 log 2 + 2 log ( 9 n ) n < 27 100 + 30 250000 < 3 10 . |T_2-T_3|\le\frac{3}{2}\log3-2\log2+\frac{2\log(9n)}{n}<\frac{27}{100}+\frac{30}{250000}<\frac{3}{10}. ∣ T 2 − T 3 ∣ ≤ 2 3 log 3 − 2 log 2 + n 2 log ( 9 n ) < 100 27 + 250000 30 < 10 3 .
Here we used log 3 < 1.1 \log3<1.1 log 3 < 1.1 , log 2 > 0.69 \log2>0.69 log 2 > 0.69 , and log ( 9 N 0 ) < 15 \log(9N_0)<15 log ( 9 N 0 ) < 15 , together with the decrease of log ( 9 n ) / n \log(9n)/n log ( 9 n ) / n . Since log cosh u ≤ u 2 / 2 \log\cosh u\le u^2/2 log cosh u ≤ u 2 /2 , it follows that
a n = E − 2 log cosh ( ( T 2 − T 3 ) / 2 ) > 1 2 . a_n=E-2\log\cosh((T_2-T_3)/2)>\frac{1}{2}. a n = E − 2 log cosh (( T 2 − T 3 ) /2 ) > 2 1 .
Consequently a n k + 2 log 2 / k − log k > 0 a_nk+2\log2/k-\log k>0 a n k + 2 log 2/ k − log k > 0 for k > 0 k>0 k > 0 : indeed k / 2 − log k ≥ 1 − log 2 > 0 k/2-\log k\ge1-\log2>0 k /2 − log k ≥ 1 − log 2 > 0 . The exact Vandermonde criterion therefore implies
S n + log g n ≥ log κ n − J n + n ( L n − T 2 − T 3 − E ) − 4 log 2 ≥ n ( L ∗ − E ) − { 4 3 log ( 6 n + 3 ) + log ( 3 n + 1 ) + 2 log ( 3 n ) + 1 2 log ( 2 n ) + 1 2 log 3 + 4 log 2 } . \begin{aligned}
S_n+\log g_n\ge\log\kappa_n-J_n+n(L_n-T_2-T_3-E)-4\log2 \\
&\ge n(L_*-E)
-\left\{\frac{4}{3}\log(6n+3)+\log(3n+1)+2\log(3n)+\frac{1}{2}\log(2n)+\frac{1}{2}\log3+4\log2\right\}.
\end{aligned} S n + log g n ≥ log κ n − J n + n ( L n − T 2 − T 3 − E ) − 4 log 2 ≥ n ( L ∗ − E ) − { 3 4 log ( 6 n + 3 ) + log ( 3 n + 1 ) + 2 log ( 3 n ) + 2 1 log ( 2 n ) + 2 1 log 3 + 4 log 2 } .
The expression in braces is at most 6 log ( 12 n ) 6\log(12n) 6 log ( 12 n ) for n ≥ 2 n\ge2 n ≥ 2 . For example, the difference is positive at n = 2 n=2 n = 2 and its derivative is greater than 7 / ( 6 n ) 7/(6n) 7/ ( 6 n ) . This proves (B.1).
Content and the good-prime sum
Put M = 12 n + 5 M=12n+5 M = 12 n + 5 and
H ( M ) = ∑ p p r i m e , h ≥ 2 p h ≤ M log p . H(M)=\sum_{\substack{p\ \mathrm{prime},\ h\ge2\\p^h\le M}}\log p. H ( M ) = p prime , h ≥ 2 p h ≤ M ∑ log p .
For each prime p ≥ 5 p\ge5 p ≥ 5 , choose a coefficient attaining the minimum m p ( 1 ) m_p^{(1)} m p ( 1 ) of its first-level valuation. Every higher-level coefficient contribution is at most two. Thus
v p ( g n ) ≤ m p ( 1 ) + 2 # { h ≥ 2 : p h ≤ M } . v_p(g_n)\le m_p^{(1)}+2\#\{h\ge2:p^h\le M\}. v p ( g n ) ≤ m p ( 1 ) + 2# { h ≥ 2 : p h ≤ M } .
Since each exponent e p h e_{p^h} e p h is at most one,
S n + log g n ≤ T 0 ( n ) + 3 H ( M ) , T 0 ( n ) = ∑ p ≥ 5 ( m p ( 1 ) + 1 p ≤ n e p ) log p . (110) S_n+\log g_n\le T_0(n)+3H(M),\qquad T_0(n)=\sum_{p\ge5}\left(m_p^{(1)}+\mathbf{1}_{p\le n}e_p\right)\log p. \tag*{(110)} S n + log g n ≤ T 0 ( n ) + 3 H ( M ) , T 0 ( n ) = p ≥ 5 ∑ ( m p ( 1 ) + 1 p ≤ n e p ) log p . (110)
The two indicators m p ( 1 ) , e p m_p^{(1)},e_p m p ( 1 ) , e p cannot both equal one, so each summand in T 0 T_0 T 0 has multiplicity at most one.
For p ≥ 13 p\ge13 p ≥ 13 , the first-level carry calculation gives the following exact intervals. The first class is p ≡ 3 + 2 λ ( m o d 6 ) p\equiv3+2\lambda\pmod6 p ≡ 3 + 2 λ ( mod 6 ) , and the second is p ≡ 3 − 2 λ ( m o d 6 ) p\equiv3-2\lambda\pmod6 p ≡ 3 − 2 λ ( mod 6 ) . For p ≤ n p\le n p ≤ n , write ℓ = ⌊ n / p ⌋ ≥ 1 \ell=\lfloor n/p\rfloor\ge1 ℓ = ⌊ n / p ⌋ ≥ 1 . The supported intervals are
first class ( 6 n + r 6 ℓ + 1 , n ℓ ] and ( n ℓ + 1 , 2 n + μ 2 ℓ + 1 ] , second class ( n ℓ + 1 , 3 n + λ 3 ℓ + 1 ] . \begin{aligned}
\text{first class}\quad&\left(\frac{6n+r}{6\ell+1},\frac{n}{\ell}\right]\quad\text{and}\quad\left(\frac{n}{\ell+1},\frac{2n+\mu}{2\ell+1}\right],\\
\text{second class}\quad&\left(\frac{n}{\ell+1},\frac{3n+\lambda}{3\ell+1}\right].
\end{aligned} first class second class ( 6 ℓ + 1 6 n + r , ℓ n ] and ( ℓ + 1 n , 2 ℓ + 1 2 n + μ ] , ( ℓ + 1 n , 3 ℓ + 1 3 n + λ ] .
For p > n p>n p > n , only content contributes, in the intervals
( n , 3 n + λ 2 ] in the first class , ( 6 n + r 5 , 2 n + μ ] in the second class . \left(n,\frac{3n+\lambda}{2}\right]\quad\text{in the first class},\qquad\left(\frac{6n+r}{5},2n+\mu\right]\quad\text{in the second class}. ( n , 2 3 n + λ ] in the first class , ( 5 6 n + r , 2 n + μ ] in the second class .
These formulas follow by substituting a p = ( p + λ ) / 3 a_p=(p+\lambda)/3 a p = ( p + λ ) /3 or ( 2 p + λ ) / 3 (2p+\lambda)/3 ( 2 p + λ ) /3 and b p = ( p + μ ) / 2 b_p=(p+\mu)/2 b p = ( p + μ ) /2 into the indicators of Lemma 4.2. In the first case the combined indicator for p ≤ n p\le n p ≤ n is 1 + E b − E c 1+E_b-E_c 1 + E b − E c ; in the second it is E a E_a E a . The small primes 5 , 7 , 11 5,7,11 5 , 7 , 11 contribute at most log 385 \log385 log 385 .
We retain the first six groups of intervals. They contain enough of the main term for the required contradiction, while all discarded primes are at most n / 7 n/7 n /7 and contribute at most θ ( n / 7 ) \theta(n/7) θ ( n /7 ) . For the retained intervals, the square-root error in the prime estimate is useful near the cutoff, and the relative error estimate treats the unbounded range. The coefficient of n n n in one half the sum of all retained interval lengths is
Q 6 = 13 20 + 1 2 ∑ ℓ = 1 6 { 1 ℓ − 6 6 ℓ + 1 + 2 2 ℓ + 1 − 1 ℓ + 1 + 3 3 ℓ + 1 − 1 ℓ + 1 } = 180556377763 157066509600 < 23 20 . \begin{aligned}
Q_6
&=\frac{13}{20}+\frac{1}{2}\sum_{\ell=1}^{6}\left\{\frac{1}{\ell}-\frac{6}{6\ell+1}+\frac{2}{2\ell+1}-\frac{1}{\ell+1}+\frac{3}{3\ell+1}-\frac{1}{\ell+1}\right\}\\
&=\frac{180556377763}{157066509600}<\frac{23}{20}.
\end{aligned} Q 6 = 20 13 + 2 1 ℓ = 1 ∑ 6 { ℓ 1 − 6 ℓ + 1 6 + 2 ℓ + 1 2 − ℓ + 1 1 + 3 ℓ + 1 3 − ℓ + 1 1 } = 157066509600 180556377763 < 20 23 .
The constant shifts in the interval lengths contribute at most
5 4 + 5 6 ∑ ℓ = 1 6 1 ℓ < 5. \frac{5}{4}+\frac{5}{6}\sum_{\ell=1}^{6}\frac{1}{\ell}<5. 4 5 + 6 5 ℓ = 1 ∑ 6 ℓ 1 < 5.
Together with the small primes, this is less than 12.
We use two published estimates of Bennett, Martin, O’Bryant, and Rechnitzer [3 Corollary 1.7 and Theorem 1.9] : for a ∈ { 1 , 5 } a\in\{1,5\} a ∈ { 1 , 5 } ,
∣ θ ( x ; 6 , a ) − x / 2 ∣ ≤ 2.072 x ( 1 ≤ x ≤ 4 ⋅ 10 13 ) , \left|\theta(x;6,a)-x/2\right|\le2.072\sqrt{x}\qquad(1\le x\le4\cdot10^{13}), ∣ θ ( x ; 6 , a ) − x /2 ∣ ≤ 2.072 x ( 1 ≤ x ≤ 4 ⋅ 1 0 13 ) ,
∣ θ ( x ; 6 , a ) − x / 2 ∣ < 0.024 x / log x ( x ≥ 10 6 ) . \left|\theta(x;6,a)-x/2\right|<0.024x/\log x\qquad(x\ge10^6). ∣ θ ( x ; 6 , a ) − x /2 ∣ < 0.024 x / log x ( x ≥ 1 0 6 ) .
The range 4 ⋅ 10 13 4 \cdot10^{13} 4 ⋅ 1 0 13 in the first estimate follows from x 2 ( 6 ) = x 2 ( 3 ) x_2(6)=x_2(3) x 2 ( 6 ) = x 2 ( 3 ) in their Theorem 1.9. For N 0 ≤ n ≤ 10 13 N_0 \le n \le10^{13} N 0 ≤ n ≤ 1 0 13 , all retained endpoints are at most 2 n + 1 < 4 ⋅ 10 13 2n+1<4\cdot10^{13} 2 n + 1 < 4 ⋅ 1 0 13 . For each 1 ≤ ℓ ≤ 6 1\le\ell\le6 1 ≤ ℓ ≤ 6 , the six endpoints are at most ( n + 1 ) / ℓ (n+1)/\ell ( n + 1 ) / ℓ ; the four remaining endpoints are at most 2 n + 1 2n+1 2 n + 1 . Their total error is therefore at most
2.072 { 6 n + 1 ∑ ℓ = 1 6 ℓ − 1 / 2 + 4 2 n + 1 } < 61 n . 2.072\left\{6\sqrt{n+1}\sum_{\ell=1}^{6}\ell^{-1/2}+4\sqrt{2n+1}\right\}<61\sqrt{n}. 2.072 { 6 n + 1 ℓ = 1 ∑ 6 ℓ − 1/2 + 4 2 n + 1 } < 61 n .
To obtain the last inequality, use ∑ ℓ = 1 6 ℓ − 1 / 2 ≤ 2 6 − 1 < 3.9 \sum_{\ell=1}^{6}\ell^{-1/2}\le2\sqrt{6}-1<3.9 ∑ ℓ = 1 6 ℓ − 1/2 ≤ 2 6 − 1 < 3.9 , 1 + 1 / N 0 < 1.000002 \sqrt{1+1/N_0}<1.000002 1 + 1/ N 0 < 1.000002 , and 2 + 1 / N 0 < 1.415 \sqrt{2+1/N_0}<1.415 2 + 1/ N 0 < 1.415 . For n ≥ 10 13 n\ge10^{13} n ≥ 1 0 13 , every retained endpoint is at least n / 7 n/7 n /7 . Since ∑ ℓ = 1 6 ℓ − 1 = 49 / 20 \sum_{\ell=1}^{6}\ell^{-1}=49/20 ∑ ℓ = 1 6 ℓ − 1 = 49/20 , their sum is less than
6 ( n + 1 ) 49 20 + 4 ( 2 n + 1 ) < 23 n . 6(n+1)\frac{49}{20}+4(2n+1)<23n. 6 ( n + 1 ) 20 49 + 4 ( 2 n + 1 ) < 23 n .
Using log ( 10 13 / 7 ) > 27 \log(10^{13}/7)>27 log ( 1 0 13 /7 ) > 27 , the second prime estimate bounds the total error by
0.024 23 n 27 < 21 1000 n . 0.024\frac{23n}{27}<\frac{21}{1000}n. 0.024 27 23 n < 1000 21 n .
Hanson’s elementary theorem [16 Theorem 1] states lcm ( 1 , … , N ) < 3 N \operatorname{lcm}(1,\ldots,N)<3^N lcm ( 1 , … , N ) < 3 N . Consequently θ ( x ) ≤ ψ ( x ) < x log 3 \theta(x)\le\psi(x)<x\log3 θ ( x ) ≤ ψ ( x ) < x log 3 for x ≥ 1 x\ge1 x ≥ 1 . Applying this to the discarded primes gives
T 0 ( n ) < ( 23 20 + log 3 7 ) n + 12 + { 61 n , N 0 ≤ n ≤ 10 13 , 21 1000 n , n > 10 13 . (111) T_0(n)<\left(\frac{23}{20}+\frac{\log3}{7}\right)n+12+
\begin{cases}
61\sqrt{n}, & N_0\le n\le10^{13},\\
\frac{21}{1000}n, & n>10^{13}.
\end{cases} \tag*{(111)} T 0 ( n ) < ( 20 23 + 7 log 3 ) n + 12 + { 61 n , 1000 21 n , N 0 ≤ n ≤ 1 0 13 , n > 1 0 13 . (111)
Hanson’s estimate also gives
H ( M ) ≤ log 3 { M + ( log 2 M ) M 1 / 3 } < 11 n ( n ≥ N 0 ) . H(M)\le\log3\left\{\sqrt{M}+(\log_2 M)M^{1/3}\right\}<11\sqrt{n}\qquad(n\ge N_0). H ( M ) ≤ log 3 { M + ( log 2 M ) M 1/3 } < 11 n ( n ≥ N 0 ) .
For an explicit verification, use M ≤ 12.1 n M\le12.1n M ≤ 12.1 n and note that n − 1 / 6 log ( 12.1 n ) n^{-1/6}\log(12.1n) n − 1/6 log ( 12.1 n ) decreases for n ≥ N 0 n\ge N_0 n ≥ N 0 . At the left endpoint the rational bounds
12.1 < 3.5 , 12.1 1 / 3 < 2.3 , N 0 − 1 / 6 < 0.127 , log ( 12.1 N 0 ) < 15 , log 2 > 0.69 , log 3 < 1.1 \sqrt{12.1}<3.5,\qquad12.1^{1/3}<2.3,\qquad N_0^{-1/6}<0.127,\qquad\log(12.1N_0)<15,\qquad\log2>0.69,\qquad\log3<1.1 12.1 < 3.5 , 12. 1 1/3 < 2.3 , N 0 − 1/6 < 0.127 , log ( 12.1 N 0 ) < 15 , log 2 > 0.69 , log 3 < 1.1
give
H ( M ) n < 1.1 { 3.5 + 2.3 ⋅ 0.127 ⋅ 15 / 0.69 } = 10.835 < 11. \frac{H(M)}{\sqrt{n}}<1.1\{3.5+2.3\cdot0.127\cdot15/0.69\}=10.835<11. n H ( M ) < 1.1 { 3.5 + 2.3 ⋅ 0.127 ⋅ 15/0.69 } = 10.835 < 11.
Combining this with (B.2) and (B.3), and rounding the first square-root coefficient upward, gives
S n + log g n < ( 23 20 + log 3 7 ) n + 12 + { 95 n , N 0 ≤ n ≤ 10 13 , 21 1000 n + 33 n , n > 10 13 . (112) S_n+\log g_n<\left(\frac{23}{20}+\frac{\log3}{7}\right)n+12+
\begin{cases}
95\sqrt{n}, & N_0\le n\le10^{13},\\
\frac{21}{1000}n+33\sqrt{n}, & n>10^{13}.
\end{cases} \tag*{(112)} S n + log g n < ( 20 23 + 7 log 3 ) n + 12 + { 95 n , 1000 21 n + 33 n , N 0 ≤ n ≤ 1 0 13 , n > 1 0 13 . (112)
The contradiction
We first record the lower bound L ∗ − E > 3 / 2 L_* - E>3/2 L ∗ − E > 3/2 . Indeed, 3 > 1.73 \sqrt{3}>1.73 3 > 1.73 gives 4 + 3 3 > 9 ⋅ 919 / 900 4+3\sqrt{3}>9\cdot919/900 4 + 3 3 > 9 ⋅ 919/900 . Since log 3 > 1.098 \log3>1.098 log 3 > 1.098 , log 2 < 0.7 \log2<0.7 log 2 < 0.7 , and log ( 1 + t ) > t / ( 1 + t ) \log(1+t)>t/(1+t) log ( 1 + t ) > t / ( 1 + t ) for t > 0 t>0 t > 0 ,
L ∗ − E > 5 3 log 3 − 1 2 log 2 + log 919 900 > 5 549 3 500 − 7 20 + 19 919 = 34478 22975 > 3 2 . L_*-E>\frac{5}{3}\log3-\frac{1}{2}\log2+\log\frac{919}{900}>\frac{5\,549}{3\,500}-\frac{7}{20}+\frac{19}{919}=\frac{34478}{22975}>\frac{3}{2}. L ∗ − E > 3 5 log 3 − 2 1 log 2 + log 900 919 > 3 500 5 549 − 20 7 + 919 19 = 22975 34478 > 2 3 .
For N 0 ≤ n ≤ 10 13 N_0\le n\le10^{13} N 0 ≤ n ≤ 1 0 13 , the first line of (B.4), the decrease of log ( 12 n ) / n \log(12n)/n log ( 12 n ) / n , and log ( 12 N 0 ) < 15 \log(12N_0)<15 log ( 12 N 0 ) < 15 give
23 20 + log 3 7 + 95 n + 12 + 6 log ( 12 n ) n < 23 20 + 11 70 + 19 100 + 102 250000 = 1310357 875000 < 3 2 . \frac{23}{20}+\frac{\log3}{7}+\frac{95}{\sqrt{n}}+\frac{12+6\log(12n)}{n}<\frac{23}{20}+\frac{11}{70}+\frac{19}{100}+\frac{102}{250000}=\frac{1310357}{875000}<\frac{3}{2}. 20 23 + 7 log 3 + n 95 + n 12 + 6 log ( 12 n ) < 20 23 + 70 11 + 100 19 + 250000 102 = 875000 1310357 < 2 3 .
For n > 10 13 n>10^{13} n > 1 0 13 , the decreasing error satisfies
33 n + 12 + 6 log ( 12 n ) n < 33 10 6 + 210 10 13 < 1 1000 , \frac{33}{\sqrt{n}}+\frac{12+6\log(12n)}{n}<\frac{33}{10^6}+\frac{210}{10^{13}}<\frac{1}{1000}, n 33 + n 12 + 6 log ( 12 n ) < 1 0 6 33 + 1 0 13 210 < 1000 1 ,
where log ( 12 ⋅ 10 13 ) < 33 \log(12 \cdot10^{13}) < 33 log ( 12 ⋅ 1 0 13 ) < 33 . Hence the second line gives
23 20 + log 3 7 + 21 1000 + 33 n + 12 + 6 log ( 12 n ) n < 23 20 + 11 70 + 22 1000 < 4 3 < 3 2 . \frac{23}{20}+\frac{\log3}{7}+\frac{21}{1000}+\frac{33}{\sqrt{n}}+\frac{12+6\log(12n)}{n}<\frac{23}{20}+\frac{11}{70}+\frac{22}{1000}<\frac{4}{3}<\frac{3}{2}. 20 23 + 7 log 3 + 1000 21 + n 33 + n 12 + 6 log ( 12 n ) < 20 23 + 70 11 + 1000 22 < 3 4 < 2 3 .
Both ranges contradict (B.1). This proves irreducibility for every n ≥ 250000 n \ge250000 n ≥ 250000 in all four families. The numerical inequalities used here follow from the displayed rational bounds and the positive-term series for the logarithm.
The finite range
B.2. The finite range. We use a published computation for the small degrees. Cullinan and Hajir [8 Remark 4.6] checked the irreducibility of K ℓ K_\ell K ℓ for every 13 ≤ ℓ ≤ 10 5 13 \le\ell\le10^5 13 ≤ ℓ ≤ 1 0 5 relatively prime to 6. Their Definition 2.3 gives
ℓ = 12 n + 6 + 2 λ + 3 μ , K ℓ ( X ) = 3 n n ! P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) ( 4 X + 1 ) . \ell=12n+6+2\lambda+3\mu,\qquad K_\ell(X)=3^n n!P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)}(4X+1). ℓ = 12 n + 6 + 2 λ + 3 μ , K ℓ ( X ) = 3 n n ! P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) ( 4 X + 1 ) .
Consequently their result covers all four parameter choices for 1 ≤ n ≤ 8332 1 \le n \le8332 1 ≤ n ≤ 8332 , since 12 ⋅ 8332 + 11 = 99995 12\cdot8332+11=99995 12 ⋅ 8332 + 11 = 99995 . We use their irreducibility computation here, independently of the conditional Galois-group statement in [8 Theorem 1.8] .
Proposition B.2. For every 1 ≤ n ≤ 250000 1 \le n \le250000 1 ≤ n ≤ 250000 and every λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } \lambda,\mu\in\{-1,1\} λ , μ ∈ { − 1 , 1 } , the polynomial P n ( λ / 3 , μ / 2 ) P_n^{(\lambda/3,\mu/2)} P n ( λ /3 , μ /2 ) is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q .
Proof. It remains to treat 8333 ≤ n ≤ 250000 8333 \le n \le250000 8333 ≤ n ≤ 250000 . Retain T 0 ( n ) T_0(n) T 0 ( n ) from (B.2) and put
Q ( n ) = ∑ p ≥ 5 prime , h ≥ 2 p h ≤ 12 n + 5 log p . Q(n)=\sum_{\substack{p\ge5\ \text{prime},\ h\ge2\\ p^h\le12n+5}}\log p. Q ( n ) = p ≥ 5 prime , h ≥ 2 p h ≤ 12 n + 5 ∑ log p .
The same content and moment calculation gives
S n + log g n ≤ T 0 ( n ) + 3 Q ( n ) . (113) S_n+\log g_n\le T_0(n)+3Q(n). \tag*{(113)} S n + log g n ≤ T 0 ( n ) + 3 Q ( n ) . (113)
Write T 2 = T 2 , n T_2=T_{2,n} T 2 = T 2 , n , T 3 = T 3 , n T_3=T_{3,n} T 3 = T 3 , n , L = L n L=L_n L = L n , and J = J n J=J_n J = J n . Since C n ≥ 1 / 3 C_n\ge1/3 C n ≥ 1/3 , the exact real comparison implies, for every possible factor degree 1 ≤ k ≤ n / 2 1\le k\le n/2 1 ≤ k ≤ n /2 ,
log R ( 6 ) k ≥ log κ n − log g n − J + n ( L − T 2 − T 3 − E ) − 4 log 2 \frac{\log R^{(6)}}{k}\ge\log\kappa_n-\log g_n-J+n(L-T_2-T_3-E)-4\log2 k log R ( 6 ) ≥ log κ n − log g n − J + n ( L − T 2 − T 3 − E ) − 4 log 2
+ a k + 2 log 2 k − log k , a = T 2 + T 3 + E − 2 L + 2 log 2. {}+ak+\frac{2\log2}{k}-\log k,\qquad a=T_2+T_3+E-2L+2\log2. + ak + k 2 log 2 − log k , a = T 2 + T 3 + E − 2 L + 2 log 2.
If ∣ T 2 − T 3 ∣ ≤ 9 / 10 \lvert T_2-T_3\rvert\le9/10 ∣ T 2 − T 3 ∣ ≤ 9/10 , then
a = E − 2 log cosh ( ( T 2 − T 3 ) / 2 ) ≥ E − 81 400 > 1 2 . a=E-2\log\cosh((T_2-T_3)/2)\ge E-\frac{81}{400}>\frac{1}{2}. a = E − 2 log cosh (( T 2 − T 3 ) /2 ) ≥ E − 400 81 > 2 1 .
Thus the last three terms in the second line have positive sum, because k / 2 − log k ≥ 1 − log 2 > 0 k/2-\log k\ge1-\log2>0 k /2 − log k ≥ 1 − log 2 > 0 . Weighted AM–GM with weights 7 / 16 7/16 7/16 and $9/16 gives
L ≥ 7 16 T 2 + 9 16 T 3 + 4 log 2 − 7 16 log 7 − 9 8 log 3. L\ge\frac{7}{16}T_2+\frac{9}{16}T_3+4\log2-\frac{7}{16}\log7-\frac{9}{8}\log3. L ≥ 16 7 T 2 + 16 9 T 3 + 4 log 2 − 16 7 log 7 − 8 9 log 3.
Define the integers
c 2 = 216 n + 48 v 2 ( n ! ) − 24 s 2 ( n ) − 27 D 2 , n − 192 , c_2=216n+48v_2(n!)-24s_2(n)-27D_{2,n}-192, c 2 = 216 n + 48 v 2 ( n !) − 24 s 2 ( n ) − 27 D 2 , n − 192 ,
c 3 = 48 v 3 ( n ! ) − 22 n − 21 D 3 , n − 8 s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) , c_3=48v_3(n!)-22n-21D_{3,n}-8s_3(2n+\delta), c 3 = 48 v 3 ( n !) − 22 n − 21 D 3 , n − 8 s 3 ( 2 n + δ ) ,
c 7 = − 21 n , δ = μ + 1 2 , c_7=-21n,\qquad\delta=\frac{\mu+1}{2}, c 7 = − 21 n , δ = 2 μ + 1 ,
and the real number
Δ n = c 2 log 2 + c 3 log 3 + c 7 log 7 48 − T 0 ( n ) − 3 Q ( n ) . \Delta_n=\frac{c_2\log2+c_3\log3+c_7\log7}{48}-T_0(n)-3Q(n). Δ n = 48 c 2 log 2 + c 3 log 3 + c 7 log 7 − T 0 ( n ) − 3 Q ( n ) .
Combining the preceding bounds shows that the two conditions
∣ D 2 , n log 2 − D 3 , n log 3 ∣ ≤ 9 10 n , Δ n > 0 (114) \left|D_{2,n}\log2-D_{3,n}\log3\right|\leq\frac{9}{10}n,\qquad\Delta_n>0 \tag*{(114)} ∣ D 2 , n log 2 − D 3 , n log 3 ∣ ≤ 10 9 n , Δ n > 0 (114)
exclude every proper factorization.
For each of the four parameter pairs and every integer 8333 ≤ n ≤ 250 000 8333\leq n\leq250\,000 8333 ≤ n ≤ 250 000 , exact integer arithmetic verifies the first inequality in (B.6) and the stronger bound
Δ n > n 1000 . \Delta_n>\frac{n}{1000}. Δ n > 1000 n .
The calculation uses only the residue indicators of Lemma 4.2 , digit sums, and rational bounds for logarithms. For completeness, these bounds follow by truncating
log 1 + t 1 − t = 2 ∑ j = 0 r − 1 t 2 j + 1 2 j + 1 + E r ( t ) , 0 ≤ E r ( t ) ≤ 2 t 2 r + 1 ( 2 r + 1 ) ( 1 − t 2 ) ( 0 ≤ t ≤ 1 / 3 ) . \log\frac{1+t}{1-t}=2\sum_{j=0}^{r-1}\frac{t^{2j+1}}{2j+1}+\mathcal{E}_r(t),\qquad0\leq\mathcal{E}_r(t)\leq\frac{2t^{2r+1}}{(2r+1)(1-t^2)}\qquad(0\leq t\leq1/3). log 1 − t 1 + t = 2 j = 0 ∑ r − 1 2 j + 1 t 2 j + 1 + E r ( t ) , 0 ≤ E r ( t ) ≤ ( 2 r + 1 ) ( 1 − t 2 ) 2 t 2 r + 1 ( 0 ≤ t ≤ 1/3 ) .
Rescaling an integer by a power of 2 2 2 puts its logarithm in this form. The accompanying self-contained verification recomputes these comparisons from the formulas, with outward rounding and without stored numerical data. This completes the finite range and proves the proposition. □
Appendix C. The finite first-derivative calculation
We give the remaining finite verification for the first derivatives, and record elementary rational bounds for three logarithmic constants. The coefficient formulas and prime bounds below specify the calculation completely.
A factor-degree criterion
Lemma C.1. Let H ∈ Z [ x ] H\in\mathbb{Z}[x] H ∈ Z [ x ] be primitive of degree D D D . For a prime p p p at which its reduction has degree D D D and is squarefree, let D p D_p D p be the multiset of irreducible factor degrees, and let Σ p \Sigma_p Σ p be the set of its subset sums, with each entry of the multiset used at most once. If
{ 1 , … , ⌊ D / 2 ⌋ } ∩ ⋂ p ∈ P Σ p = ∅ \{1,\ldots,\lfloor D/2\rfloor\}\cap\bigcap_{p\in\mathcal{P}}\Sigma_p=\varnothing { 1 , … , ⌊ D /2 ⌋} ∩ p ∈ P ⋂ Σ p = ∅ for a finite set P \mathcal{P} P of such primes, then H H H is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q .
Proof. By Gauss’s lemma, a nontrivial rational factorization gives an integral factor of degree 1 ≤ k ≤ ⌊ D / 2 ⌋ 1\leq k\leq\lfloor D/2\rfloor 1 ≤ k ≤ ⌊ D /2 ⌋ . Since the leading coefficient of H H H is nonzero modulo every listed prime, the factor retains its degree. Its reduction is a product of distinct irreducible factors, so k ∈ Σ p k\in\Sigma_p k ∈ Σ p for every p ∈ P p\in\mathcal{P} p ∈ P , a contradiction. □
The finite ranges
For n = 2 m + δ n=2m+\delta n = 2 m + δ , where δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } , let H n H_n H n be the primitive integral polynomial with positive leading coefficient proportional to
∑ k = 0 m ( − 1 ) k ( 2 n + 2 − 2 k ) ! k ! ( n + 1 − k ) ! ( n − 2 k ) ! x n − 2 k − δ . (115) \sum_{k=0}^{m}\frac{(-1)^k(2n+2-2k)!}{k!(n+1-k)!(n-2k)!}x^{n-2k-\delta}. \tag*{(115)} k = 0 ∑ m k ! ( n + 1 − k )! ( n − 2 k )! ( − 1 ) k ( 2 n + 2 − 2 k )! x n − 2 k − δ . (115)
Thus H n H_n H n is a nonzero rational multiple of P n + 1 ′ ( x ) / x δ P'_{n+1}(x)/x^\delta P n + 1 ′ ( x ) / x δ and has degree 2 m 2m 2 m . Put
U = ∏ p ≤ m p v p ( n + 1 ) , V = ∏ p ≤ m p v p ( n + 2 ) , Z = ∏ p ≤ m p ⌊ log p ( 2 n + 3 ) ⌋ . U=\prod_{p\leq m}p^{v_p(n+1)},\qquad V=\prod_{p\leq m}p^{v_p(n+2)},\qquad Z=\prod_{p\leq m}p^{\lfloor\log_p(2n+3)\rfloor}. U = p ≤ m ∏ p v p ( n + 1 ) , V = p ≤ m ∏ p v p ( n + 2 ) , Z = p ≤ m ∏ p ⌊ l o g p ( 2 n + 3 )⌋ .
For m ≥ 4 m\geq4 m ≥ 4 , the sufficient condition of Theorem 3.4 is exactly
16 m V 2 > 64 m ( m + 1 ) 2 Z 2 U 2 . (116) 16^mV^2>64m(m+1)^2Z^2U^2. \tag*{(116)} 1 6 m V 2 > 64 m ( m + 1 ) 2 Z 2 U 2 . (116)
Indeed, K = m + 1 K=m+1 K = m + 1 and A ≤ m = U / V A_{\leq m}=U/V A ≤ m = U / V ; exponentiating and squaring the criterion gives (C.2).
Lemma C.2. For 1 ≤ m ≤ 199 1\leq m\leq199 1 ≤ m ≤ 199 and δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } \delta\in\{0,1\} δ ∈ { 0 , 1 } , H 2 m + δ H_{2m+\delta} H 2 m + δ is irreducible over Q \mathbb{Q} Q .
Proof. For each parity, the indices m < 4 m < 4 m < 4 together with the failures of (C.2) for 4 ≤ m ≤ 199 4 \le m \le199 4 ≤ m ≤ 199 are
E 0 = { 1 , … , 25 } ∪ { 28 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 34 , 37 , 40 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 46 , 47 } , E_0 = \{1,\ldots,25\} \cup\{28,30,31,32,34,37,40,42,43,45,46,47\}, E 0 = { 1 , … , 25 } ∪ { 28 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 34 , 37 , 40 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 46 , 47 } ,
E 1 = { 1 , … , 26 } ∪ { 29 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 41 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 47 , 49 , 50 , 53 , 73 } . E_1 = \{1,\ldots,26\} \cup\{29,31,32,33,34,35,37,38,41,43,44,45,47,49,50,53,73\}. E 1 = { 1 , … , 26 } ∪ { 29 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 41 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 47 , 49 , 50 , 53 , 73 } .
The other 318 pairs satisfy the strict integer inequality. For the 37 + 43 = 80 37+43=80 37 + 43 = 80 pairs with m ∈ E δ m\in E_\delta m ∈ E δ , apply Lemma C.1 to the full-degree, squarefree reductions at primes p ≤ 317 p\le317 p ≤ 317 . In every case the intersection in that lemma is empty.
Here is a complete procedure for this finite calculation. The coefficients are obtained from (C.1) by dividing by their positive gcd. The integers U , V , Z U,V,Z U , V , Z use trial division and successive multiplication by each prime. For each remaining H n H_n H n , start with the candidate set { 1 , … , m } \{1,\ldots,m\} { 1 , … , m } and visit the primes up to 317 in increasing order. Discard a prime if the degree drops or if gcd ( H ‾ n , H ‾ n ′ ) ≠ 1 \gcd(\overline{H}_n,\overline{H}'_n)\ne1 g cd( H n , H n ′ ) = 1 . At every other prime, compute D p D_p D p as follows.
Make f = H ‾ n / lc ( H ‾ n ) f=\overline{H}_n/\operatorname{lc}(\overline{H}_n) f = H n / lc ( H n ) monic, and initialize R = f R=f R = f and h = x h=x h = x . For j = 1 , 2 , … j=1,2,\ldots j = 1 , 2 , … , as long as 2 j ≤ deg R 2j\le\deg R 2 j ≤ deg R , replace h h h by h p m o d R h^p\bmod R h p mod R , put G = gcd ( R , h − x ) G=\gcd(R,h-x) G = g cd( R , h − x ) , record j j j exactly deg ( G ) / j \deg(G)/j deg ( G ) / j times, and replace R R R by R / G R/G R / G and h h h by its remainder modulo this new R R R . If a nonconstant R R R remains at the end, record its degree once. This gives D p D_p D p : the polynomial x p j − x x^{p^j}-x x p j − x is the product of the monic irreducibles whose degrees divide j j j , and all smaller degrees have already been removed. The final polynomial R R R has at most one irreducible factor: each remaining factor has degree at least j j j , while deg R < 2 j \deg R<2j deg R < 2 j .
To compute Σ p \Sigma_p Σ p , start with { 0 } \{0\} { 0 } and, for every entry d d d of D p D_p D p , adjoin its translate by d d d . Intersect the candidate set with Σ p \Sigma_p Σ p , stopping when it is empty. Retaining only reductions that strictly decrease that set gives 254 reductions in total, with largest prime 317. These operations use integer arithmetic and Euclidean division over finite fields. Lemma C.1 proves the remaining 80 cases and completes the proof. □
Rational logarithm bounds
For 0 < z < 1 0<z<1 0 < z < 1 , define
T ( z ) = 2 ∑ j = 0 4 z 2 j + 1 2 j + 1 , U ∗ ( z ) = T ( z ) + 2 z 11 11 ( 1 − z 2 ) . T(z)=2\sum_{j=0}^{4}\frac{z^{2j+1}}{2j+1},\qquad U_*(z)=T(z)+\frac{2z^{11}}{11(1-z^2)}. T ( z ) = 2 j = 0 ∑ 4 2 j + 1 z 2 j + 1 , U ∗ ( z ) = T ( z ) + 11 ( 1 − z 2 ) 2 z 11 .
The power series for the inverse hyperbolic tangent gives
T ( z ) < log 1 + z 1 − z < U ∗ ( z ) . T(z)<\log\frac{1+z}{1-z}<U_*(z). T ( z ) < log 1 − z 1 + z < U ∗ ( z ) .
The two margins used in the paper have the exact expressions
8 ( log 4 − 1 ) − g ( 8 ) = 13 log 2 + 9 log ( 9 / 8 ) − 34 log ( 17 / 16 ) − 8 , 8(\log4-1)-g(8)=13\log2+9\log(9/8)-34\log(17/16)-8, 8 ( log 4 − 1 ) − g ( 8 ) = 13 log 2 + 9 log ( 9/8 ) − 34 log ( 17/16 ) − 8 ,
8 [ 19 8 ( log 6 − 1 ) − g ( 19 / 8 ) ] = 3 log 2 + 8 log ( 3 / 2 ) + 57 log ( 19 / 16 ) + 92 log ( 24 / 23 ) − 19. 8\left[\frac{19}{8}(\log6-1)-g(19/8)\right]
=3\log2+8\log(3/2)+57\log(19/16)
+92\log(24/23)-19. 8 [ 8 19 ( log 6 − 1 ) − g ( 19/8 ) ] = 3 log 2 + 8 log ( 3/2 ) + 57 log ( 19/16 ) + 92 log ( 24/23 ) − 19.
Substitution of the rational bounds gives
13 T ( 1 / 3 ) + 9 T ( 1 / 17 ) − 34 U ∗ ( 1 / 33 ) − 8 > 97 10000 13T(1/3)+9T(1/17)-34U_*(1/33)-8>\frac{97}{10000} 13 T ( 1/3 ) + 9 T ( 1/17 ) − 34 U ∗ ( 1/33 ) − 8 > 10000 97
and
3 T ( 1 / 3 ) + 8 T ( 1 / 5 ) + 57 T ( 3 / 35 ) + 92 T ( 1 / 47 ) − 19 > 42 1250 . 3T(1/3)+8T(1/5)+57T(3/35)+92T(1/47)-19>\frac{42}{1250}. 3 T ( 1/3 ) + 8 T ( 1/5 ) + 57 T ( 3/35 ) + 92 T ( 1/47 ) − 19 > 1250 42 .
Both are direct comparisons of rational numbers; the second right side is 8 ⋅ 21 / 5000 8\cdot21/5000 8 ⋅ 21/5000 . Finally,
2 ( log 9 − 1 ) − g ( 2 ) = log ( 3 72 2 16 5 10 ) − 2 > 0 , 2(\log9-1)-g(2)=\log\left(\frac{3^{72}2^{16}}{5^{10}}\right)-2>0, 2 ( log 9 − 1 ) − g ( 2 ) = log ( 5 10 3 72 2 16 ) − 2 > 0 ,
because e < 3 e<3 e < 3 and 3 5 2 16 > 5 10 3^52^{16}>5^{10} 3 5 2 16 > 5 10 .