Diophantine Equations over Function Fields [Paperback]

A self-contained account of a new approach to the subject.The author's discovery of an original fundamental inequality in 1982 helps him solve the central problem of providing methods for the solutions of equations over function fields. By applying the inequality in a different manner, simple bonds are determined on the solutions in rational functions of the general superelliptic equation.The author's discovery of an original fundamental inequality in 1982 helps him solve the central problem of providing methods for the solutions of equations over function fields. By applying the inequality in a different manner, simple bonds are determined on the solutions in rational functions of the general superelliptic equation.Diophantine equations over number fields have formed one of the most important and fruitful areas of mathematics throughout civilisation. In recent years increasing interest has been aroused in the analogous area of equations over function fields. However, although considerable progress has been made by previous authors, none has attempted the central problem of providing methods for the actual solution of such equations. The latter is the purpose and achievement of this volume: algorithms are provided for the complete resolution of various families of equations, such as those of Thue, hyperelliptic and genus one type. The results are achieved by means of an original fundamental inequality, first announced by the author in 1982. Several specific examples are included as illustrations of the general method and as a testimony to its efficiency. Furthermore, bounds are obtained on the solutions which improve on those obtained previously by other means. Extending the equality to a different setting, namely that of positive characteristic, enables the various families of equations to be resolved in that circumstance. Finally, by applying the inequality in a different manner, simple bounds are determined on their solutions in rational functions of the general lƒN