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.

Tue 27 OctComputational Complexity
The gist
This paper shows that deciding whether a certain type of polynomial, called a sparse polynomial with integer coefficients, cannot be broken down into simpler polynomials is very hard from a computational viewpoint. The authors prove that there is likely no fast, guaranteed method to test for this property unless a major open problem in computer science is solved. However, they also demonstrate that the problem can be tackled using methods that run in reasonable time on average with some probability of error, and with controlled memory usage. Their results rely on advanced mathematical hypotheses and recent number theory breakthroughs.
Open → 2610.37179v1

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.

Thu 22 OctData Structures and AlgorithmsComputational ComplexitySymbolic Computation
The gist
This paper looks at how to find a multivariate polynomial that fits a set of given points and their values over a finite field. The authors present an algorithm that does this interpolation almost as fast as possible, running in near-quadratic time relative to the number of points. Unlike some previous methods, their technique does not need to query the polynomial at new points, making it useful when such queries are not allowed. They use a classic method for solving linear systems with some recent advances in evaluating multiple points efficiently.
Open → 2610.30907v1

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.

Thu 15 OctSymbolic Computation
The gist
The paper deals with special mathematical properties of polynomial equations that change depending on how you look at them. The authors found clear ways to recognize the best conditions under which these properties behave consistently. They created step-by-step procedures using linear algebra—basically systematic calculations—to find these properties without relying on randomness. This helps ensure that the results hold deterministically and can be precisely computed.
Open → 2610.22251v1

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.

Fri 9 OctSymbolic Computation
The gist
The paper proves that a complicated expression involving eleven positive numbers is never negative. To do this, the authors turn the problem into showing a related polynomial is always nonnegative. They provide exact, rational certificates—like mathematical proof-checks in matrix form—to confirm this fact. These certificates are rigorously verified using a formal system called Lean, ensuring no mistakes. The detailed proof and data are made publicly available for anyone to verify.
Open → 2610.13463v1

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.

Tue 6 OctData Structures and Algorithms
The gist
Figuring out how to measure the complexity of three-way data arrays, called tensors, is important but challenging. The authors created explicit examples of tensors that have higher complexity than previously known examples could show using a common method called linear flattening. They also proved a fundamental limit on how good linear flattening can be at measuring this complexity. This work helps clarify how certain mathematical tools can or cannot capture the true complexity of tensors.
Open → 2610.08504v1

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

Tue 6 OctData Structures and Algorithms
The gist
The paper studies how quickly we can check if two finite abelian groups are essentially the same, and how hard it is to find a basic building block (basis) for these groups. The authors provide a fast method for deciding isomorphism that is close to the best possible speed. They also show that finding a basis is fundamentally harder, needing more steps. This establishes clear differences in difficulty between these two problems within the same kind of mathematical groups.
Open → 2610.08280v1

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).

Mon 5 OctDiscrete Mathematics
The gist
The lampshuffler group is a mathematical structure made up of certain special ways to shuffle integers. The paper solves the problem of deciding when a given element belongs to a subgroup or submonoid within this group. The authors do this by connecting the problem to similar membership questions in smaller, well-understood groups. Their work builds on earlier results that showed subgroup membership is decidable in related groups called wreath products.
Open → 2610.06108v1

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.

Sat 3 OctSymbolic Computation
The gist
The paper deals with a complicated inequality involving eleven positive numbers, known as the Vasc cyclic inequality. The authors prove this inequality always holds by breaking it down into millions of smaller polynomial problems and then rigorously checking each one using exact mathematical tools. They create special certificates—mathematical proofs that are easy to verify—to cover all tricky cases. This method ensures the inequality is true for all positive eleven-tuples by combining detailed math with computer-aided exact checks.
Open → 2610.04549v1

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.

Thu 17 SeptSymbolic Computation
The gist
Some important problems in working with polynomials involve finding common divisors or reconstructing fractions efficiently. The authors show new ways to solve these problems by connecting them to methods of approximation and interpolation using special polynomials. They develop faster algorithms with clear performance guarantees, including clever tricks that reduce complex calculations to simpler ones involving selected points. Surprisingly, these techniques work even for classical methods that seemed different before. This results in the fastest known approaches for the problems studied.
Open → 2609.21051v1

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.

Sun 13 SeptSymbolic ComputationData Structures and Algorithms
The gist
One tough step in the F4 algorithm is changing matrices into row echelon form, which can take a lot of time. Some current fast versions use a chance-based method but didn’t say how often it might mess up. The authors figured out a bound on the chance of error for this method. They also created a version of the F4 that uses randomness but checks its work to avoid mistakes, and showed it can run faster on standard problems.
Open → 2609.14433v1

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.

Sat 12 SeptFormal Languages and Automata Theory
The gist
The paper studies a language where words have equal numbers of certain letters, which is related to math structures called groups. The authors focus on a big open question about whether this language can be generated by a certain type of grammar known for nesting structure well. They translate this hard question into a simpler problem about combining words. While the main question remains unsolved, they prove that a more complex version involving four letters cannot be captured by these grammars. This builds on previous work about simpler cases with fewer letters.
Open → 2609.13871v1