Undecidability of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ in the Language $\{+, \cdot, 0, 1, u\}$

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In summary, the conversation discusses the existential theory of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ in different languages. Theorem 1 states that if the characteristic of $F$ is zero, then the existential theory in the language $\{+, \cdot , 0, 1, t\}$ is undecidable. Theorem 2 states that if the characteristic of $F$ is $p>2$, then the existential theory is undecidable. Theorem 3 states that if the characteristic of $F$ is not 2, then the positive existential theory in the language $\{+, \cdot , 0, 1, t\}$ is undecidable. The conversation also clarifies that an existential statement
  • #1
mathmari
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Hey! :eek:

$F[u, u^{-1}]$ is a ring that contains the polynomials in $u$ and $u^{-1}$ with coefficients in the field $F$.

Some theorems are the following:

Theorem 1.

Assume that the characteristic of $F$ is zero. Then the existential theory of $F[t, t^{-1}]$ in the language $\{+, \cdot , 0, 1, t\}$ is unecidable. Theorem 2.

Assume that $F$ has characteristic $p>2$. Then the existential theory of $F[t, t^{-1}]$ is undecidable. Theorem 3.

If the characteristic of $F$ is other than $2$, then $F[t]$ has undecidable positive existential theory in the language $\{+, \cdot , 0, 1, t\}$.
To clarify something...

An existential statement of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ in the language $\{+, \cdot , 0, 1, u\}$ is of the form
$$\exists x_1, \dots \exists x_n \in F[u,u'] \phi(x_1, \dots , x_n)$$
where $\phi(x_1, \dots , x_n)$ can consist of $0$, $1$ and $u$ and has the operation $+$ and $\cdot$ between $0$, $1$, and $u$.

Is this correct?
I have a question that is related to the proof of Theorem $3$: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7LyulQBh6efQThrT3p3Y2lQNkE/view .

When we know that the existential theory of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ is undecidable in the language $\{+, \cdot , 0, 1, u\}$ and we want to show that the existential theory of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ is undecidable also in the language $\{+, \cdot , 0, 1, (u+u^{-1})/2\}$, we have to reduce the second problem to the first one, right?

Is the reduction as followed:

We have set $u=t+\sqrt{t^2-1}$ and $u^{-1}=t-\sqrt{t^2-1}$.

The mapping of the reduction is $u \mapsto u-t =:v$.

We write all the equations in the form $fv=g$ where $f,g \in F[t]$ and when we square these equations we get $f^2v^2=g^2 \Rightarrow f^2(t^2-1)=g^2$, so all the equations are in $F[t]$, where $t=(u+u^{-1})/2$.

Is this correct?
 
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  • #2
Could you clarify to me at which point of the proof of Theorem $3$ we use Lemma $1$ ? Where does this Lemma help us?
 

FAQ: Undecidability of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ in the Language $\{+, \cdot, 0, 1, u\}$

What is the concept of undecidability in mathematics?

Undecidability is a concept in mathematics that refers to a problem or statement that cannot be proven or disproven within a given set of axioms or rules. In other words, there is no algorithm or method that can determine the truth or falsity of the statement or problem.

What is the language $\{+, \cdot, 0, 1, u\}$ and why is it important in the study of undecidability?

The language $\{+, \cdot, 0, 1, u\}$ is a formal language used in algebraic structures to represent arithmetic expressions. It consists of the operations of addition and multiplication, the constants 0 and 1, and the variable u. This language is important in the study of undecidability because it allows us to frame the problem of the undecidability of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ within a specific set of rules and symbols.

What is the significance of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ in the study of undecidability?

$F[u, u^{-1}]$ is a mathematical problem that involves determining whether a polynomial equation with coefficients in the field F has a solution in the form of a rational function with coefficients in the same field. This problem is significant in the study of undecidability because it has been proven to be undecidable, meaning that there is no algorithm that can determine whether a given polynomial equation has a solution in the form of a rational function.

How does the undecidability of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ impact other fields of mathematics?

The undecidability of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ has far-reaching implications in various fields of mathematics, such as algebra, number theory, and logic. It has been used to prove the undecidability of other mathematical problems, and has also led to the development of new ideas and approaches in these fields.

Is there any potential application of the undecidability of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ in practical settings?

While the undecidability of $F[u, u^{-1}]$ may not have any direct practical applications, it has played a crucial role in the development of theoretical computer science and the study of algorithms. It has also led to the discovery of new mathematical structures and ideas that have potential applications in fields such as cryptography and coding theory.

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