Papers for
computer algebra system developers
Papers whose findings have a practical use for this group, as judged from the abstract. Open a paper to read what it means in practice.
Irreducibility testing for sparse integer polynomials is computationally hard
Irreducibility Testing of Sparse Polynomials over Integers is NP-hard and Probabilistic Polynomial Time
Abstract: In this paper, we prove that irreducibility testing for sparse polynomials in $\mathbb{Z}[X]$ is coNP-hard under deterministic polynomial-time many-one reductions. That is, there exists no polynomial-time irreducibility test algorithm unless $\mathrm P=\mathrm{NP}$. We also provide an upper bound for this problem by demonstrating that the same irreducibility testing problem lies in $\mathsf{PP}\subseteq\mathsf{PSPACE}$; in other words, it can be solved in probabilistic polynomial time and, moreover, within polynomial space. The fact that $\mathsf{SparseIrred}_{\mathbb{Z}}\in\mathsf{PP}$ relies on the quasi-Riemann hypothesis result of Cureton--Thorner and on the uniform effective prime-ideal bound by Frei--Sofos--Widmer just posted recently.
Deterministic near-quadratic time interpolation of multivariate polynomials
Near-Quadratic Time Multivariate Polynomial Interpolation
Abstract: Let $\F$ be a finite field. Given $N$ distinct points $\bmα_1,\ldots,\bmα_N \in \F^m$ and associated values $β_1,\ldots,β_N \in \F$, we study the problem of computing an $m$-variate polynomial $f(\vy) \in \F[\vy]$ of individual degree less than $d$, with $d^m \ge N$, that satisfies $f(\bmα_i)=β_i$ for all $i\in[N]$, whenever such an $f$ exists. This is known as the\textit{ multivariate polynomial interpolation} problem. In this work, given $N=d^m$, we present a deterministic algorithm for multivariate polynomial interpolation over an arbitrary finite field $\F$ that runs in near-quadratic time $N^{2+o(1)}\poly(m,d,\log|\F|)$, assuming $d$ is $ω(1)$. This bound holds whenever the associated \emph{multivariate Vandermonde} matrix is nonsingular, has constant co-rank, or admits some special structure. In the general case, we give a randomized Las Vegas algorithm attaining the same near-quadratic running time, provided the finite field is sufficiently large and $d$ grows similar to the previous case. Unlike other multivariate interpolation strategies, we do not assume black-box access to the polynomial. In particular, we are not permitted to query arbitrary input points to obtain their evaluations. Our interpolation result follows by combining Wiedemann's classical approach~\cite{w86} for solving sparse linear systems with known bounds for fast \emph{multivariate multipoint evaluation} over finite fields~\cite{umans08, KU11, BGKM23, BGGKU24}. Specifically, our deterministic interpolation strategy relies on a deterministic variant of Wiedemann's approach, which is more commonly used in the randomized setting.
Deterministic methods identify key invariants in polynomial ideals
Deterministic Determination of Axial Constants, Sectional Regularities and Annihilator Numbers
Abstract: Axial constants and sectional regularities are recently introduced invariants of homogeneous polynomial ideals that, like the already earlier introduced annihilator numbers, depend on generic choices of coordinates. We provide effective characterisations of the genericity underlying these invariants in terms of $β$-maximal position and strong stability. In particular, we show that $β$-maximal position suffices for determining generic annihilator numbers and sectional regularities, while its combination with strong stability yields corresponding results for axial constants. We also develop deterministic linear algebra procedures for detecting the required generic positions and for computing these invariants.
Exact proof certificates for 11-variable inequality verified in Lean
Exact rational certificates and a Lean formalization of the eleven-variable Vasc inequality
Abstract: We prove that the cyclic sum $\sum_{i=0}^{10}(x_i-x_{i+1})/(x_{i+1}+x_{i+2})$ is nonnegative for every strictly positive real eleven-tuple, with indices taken modulo eleven. Clearing denominators reduces the problem to a homogeneous polynomial. Subtracting the smallest coordinate then separates the proof into nonnegativity of a common-translation derivative and nonnegativity on a full boundary face. We supply exact rational polynomial certificates in Gram-matrix form for both statements. The derivative certificate uses a linear multiplier, centered monomials and cyclic averaging; the boundary certificate uses a strictly positive quadratic multiplier and uncentered monomials. Their verification requires 6,069 cyclic coefficient comparisons and 34,304 literal coefficient comparisons. All 606 certificate matrices are certified by integer congruences with strictly diagonally dominant images. A Lean 4 development formally verifies the certificate checks and their connection to the original inequality. The exact certificate data, replay programs, and formal sources are publicly available.
Explicit tensors break past linear flattening rank limits
Explicit tensors beyond the linear flattening barrier
Abstract: We construct explicit n x n x n tensors of border rank at least 3n-o(n), improving the previous record of (2 + $\varepsilon$)n due to (Landsberg and Michalek 2025). We also prove that the linear flattening method cannot be used to establish lower bounds on border rank beyond 2n-1. When n is odd, we prove that this bound is achieved by Koszul flattenings. When n is even, a result of (Landsberg 2015) shows that Koszul flattenings can achieve 2n-2, leaving an open gap of size one. Our 2n-1 bound improves the best known 6n-4 linear flattening barrier due to (Garg et al. 2019) and (Buczyński 2026). Combined, these results show that our 3n-o(n) construction, as well as the construction of Landsberg and Michalek, provide explicit examples of tensors with higher border rank than any linear flattening can achieve.
Finite abelian group isomorphism test reaches near optimal speed
Almost Tight Bounds for Isomorphism Testing and Basis Construction in Finite Abelian Groups
Abstract: We study isomorphism decision and basis construction for finite Abelian groups of known order $n$. We measure complexity by the number of additions performed in the groups and by the total running time. We give a randomized isomorphism decision algorithm that performs $\tilde O(n^{1/4})$ group additions and runs in $\tilde O(n^{1/4})$ time. This improves the $\tilde O(\sqrt n)$ upper bound of Chen and Fu and matches Bshouty $Ω(n^{1/4})$ lower bound up to polylogarithmic factors. We also prove that finding a basis with success probability at least $2/3$ requires $Ω(\sqrt n)$ group additions in the worst case. This matches the $\tilde O(\sqrt n)$ upper bound of Chen and Fu up to polylogarithmic factors. These results separate isomorphism decision from basis construction in finite Abelian groups: their optimal worst-case complexities are $\tildeΘ(n^{1/4})$ and $\tildeΘ(\sqrt n)$, respectivel
Membership problems are decidable in the lampshuffler group of integers
Subgroup and Submonoid Membership in the lampshuffler of $\mathbb{Z}$
Abstract: The lampshuffler group of $\mathbb{Z}$ is the semidirect product $\operatorname{FSym}(\mathbb{Z}) \rtimes \mathbb{Z}$, which consists of all permutations of $\mathbb{Z}$ that act as a translation outside a finite set. This infinite permutation group naturally contains as subgroups the wreath products $H \wr \mathbb{Z}$ for every finite group $H$. We prove that the Subgroup Membership Problem, and more generally, the Submonoid Membership Problem, are decidable in $\operatorname{FSym}(\mathbb{Z}) \rtimes \mathbb{Z}$. Our proof reduces Subgroup and Submonoid Membership in $\operatorname{FSym}(\mathbb{Z}) \rtimes \mathbb{Z}$ to Subgroup Membership in the wreath products $H \wr \mathbb{Z}$, which was shown to be decidable by Lohrey, Steinberg and Zetzsche (2015).
Exact verification of eleven-term Vasc inequality using finite certificates
A Finite Certificate for the Positive $n=11$ Vasc Inequality
Abstract: We establish the Vasc cyclic inequality for all strictly positive real eleven-tuples by a finite exact certificate. Cyclic rotation places a minimum at the first position, and rank words together with cumulative gaps reduce the problem to $10!=3{,}628{,}800$ homogeneous integer polynomials of degree eleven. Independent coefficient reconstruction proves $3{,}358{,}617$ roots directly. The remaining $270{,}183$ roots are covered by $267{,}952$ ordinary midpoint certificates, $2{,}195$ complete binary subdivision certificates, and $36$ complete certificates containing partial sorting nodes. Each nontrivial leaf is checked by subtracting weighted AM-GM midpoint circuits from a positive multiple of the transformed polynomial and verifying every residual coefficient. Explicit word-set comparisons certify disjointness and exact coverage. We prove the soundness of the leaves and both subdivision rules, then recover the rational inequality by positive denominator clearing and continuity. The resulting proof combines explicit mathematical reductions with independently checked exact integer certificates.
Improved algorithms speed up key polynomial computations and reconstructions
Refined complexity bounds for rational reconstruction and XGCD through Padé approximants and Cauchy interpolants
Abstract: When computing with univariate polynomials, two fundamental and related problems are the XGCD and rational reconstruction, classically solved in quasi-linear complexity using the half-gcd algorithm. These problems have various applications in algebraic computations and bear strong connections to linearly recurrent sequences, structured matrices, and continued fractions. This article first gives a collection of algorithmic reductions, showing that rational reconstruction and XGCD can be solved via the computation of bases of relations modulo a freely-chosen polynomial $M(x)$. In particular, one recovers the folklore idea that bases of Padé approximants (i.e., $M(x) = x^d$) can be used to perform quasi-linear rational reconstruction or XGCD, extending to fast algorithms the well-known link between the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm and the extended Euclidean algorithm. One highlight of these reductions is that, instead of approximants, one may rely on Cauchy interpolants (i.e., $M(x)$ vanishes at chosen points). In a second part, this article describes divide-and-conquer algorithms for approximants and interpolants along with complexity analyses showing an explicit leading constant in front of the dominant term. For interpolants, the best leading constant is obtained through a variant that stores polynomials represented by evaluations, and exploits fast extrapolation in order to avoid repeated conversions to the monomial basis; this requires special points, in geometric or arithmetic progression, or FFT points when the base field allows them. Combining the analyses with the reductions leads to the best complexity bounds we are aware of for rational reconstruction and XGCD. Perhaps surprisingly, even Padé approximants or Berlekamp-Massey-like computations, which intrinsically involve $M(x) = x^d$, are accelerated by reducing them to Cauchy interpolation at well-chosen points.
Probabilistic method speeds up main step in F4 algorithm
Probably correct row echelon form in the F4 algorithm
Abstract: The computation of row echelon form is one of the main bottlenecks in the F4 algorithm. Several state of the art implementations use a probabilistic algorithm attributed to Monagan, Pearce, and Steel to accelerate this computation. Despite this, no bound on the probability that the algorithm returns an incorrect result appears to be available. In this paper, we provide such a bound. Furthermore, building on this result, we propose a Las-Vegas variant of the F4 algorithm and show experimentally that it can outperform deterministic F4 on some classical examples.
Language mix problem shown not to fit common grammar class
On the Kanazawa--Salvati Conjecture
Abstract: The language $\mathrm{MIX}$ consists of all words over a three-letter alphabet that have an equal number of occurrences of each letter. It is also the word problem of $\mathbb{Z}^2$ with respect to a suitable choice of generators. The Kanazawa--Salvati conjecture states that $\mathrm{MIX}$ is not a well-nested multiple context-free language. Every well-nested multiple context-free language is an indexed language. We reduce the conjecture to an explicit combinatorial problem about tuples of words, which is easier to state than the original formulation in terms of arbitrary well-nested multiple context-free grammars. More generally, for every surjective monoid homomorphism $ψ\colon Σ^* \to \mathbb{Z}^d$, we define a family of well-nested multiple context-free grammars $G_ψ[r]$ for $r \geq 1$, each of which generates a sublanguage of $ψ^{-1}(\mathbf{0})$. We prove that every well-nested multiple context-free sublanguage of $ψ^{-1}(\mathbf{0})$ is contained in $L(G_ψ[r])$ for some $r \geq 1$. Using this family, we prove that the four-letter analogue $\mathrm{MIX}_4$, which is a word problem of $\mathbb{Z}^3$, is not a well-nested multiple context-free language. The proof reduces this claim to a result of Bishop--Elder--Evetts--Gallot--Levine stating that the two-letter analogue $\mathrm{MIX}_2$ is not generated by any non-branching multiple context-free grammar. The Kanazawa--Salvati conjecture itself remains open.