Polynomials in many variables
We investigate infinite families of integral quadratic polynomials {fk (X)} k∈N and show that, for a fixed k ∈ N and arbitrary X ∈ N, the period length of the simple continued fraction expansion of √fk (X) is constant. Furthermore, we show that the period lengths of √fk (X) go to infinity with k. For each member of the families involved, we show how to determine, in an easy fashion, the fundamental unit of the underlying quadratic field. We also demonstrate how the simple continued fraction ex-...
The fields defined by the polynomials constructed in E. Nart and the author in J. Number Theory 16, (1983), 6–13, Th. 2.1, with absolute Galois group the alternating group , can be embedded in any central extension of if and only if , or and is a sum of two squares. Consequently, for theses values of , every central extension of occurs as a Galois group over .
Let be a linear integer recurrent sequence of order , and define as the set of primes that divide at least one term of . We give a heuristic approach to the problem whether has a natural density, and prove that part of our heuristics is correct. Under the assumption of a generalization of Artin’s primitive root conjecture, we find that has positive lower density for “generic” sequences . Some numerical examples are included.