Let $\mathbb{F}$ be a field and let $(a_n)_{n \geq 0}$, $(b_n)_{n \geq 0}$ be two linear recurrences with terms in $\mathbb{F}$ and respective characteristic polynomials $f(X), g(X) \in \mathbb{F}[X]$. Put $c_n := a_n b_n$ for all integers $n \geq 0$. It is well-known than $(c_n)_{n \geq 0}$ is a linear recurrence.

Answering ME question 1348838, Julian Rosen claimed (and proved) that a characteristic polynomial for $(c_n)_{n \geq 0}$ is given by $h(x) := \operatorname{Res}_Y(f(Y), Y^{\deg(g)}g(X/Y))$, where $\operatorname{Res}_Y$ is the resultant respect to $Y$. In truth, the proof was given for $\mathbb{F} = \mathbb{C}$, but no step refers to particular properties of the complex numbers, so the claim holds in any field.

Looking on the classic book on linear recurrences [1], I could not find Rosen's result. Neither I found it in [2] (for linear recurrences on finite fields).

Does someone have a reference for it?

Thank you very much.

[1] G. Everest, A. van der Poorten, I. E. Shparlinski, and T. Ward - Recurrence Sequences

[2] R. Lidl and H. Niederreiter - Introduction to Finite Fields and Their Applications


Maybe this is a little late, but I was looking exactly for this and Theorem 4.1 in the book by Everest et al. (reference 1 you cite, page 65) proves precisely this.

  • $\begingroup$ No, it doesn't prove that $h(x)$ is a characteristic polynomial for $(c_n)_{n \geq 0}$. $\endgroup$ – user40023 Apr 18 '17 at 21:53
  • $\begingroup$ oops. yes, you're right. I misunderstood your question! $\endgroup$ – Nikhil Apr 19 '17 at 10:41

Your Answer
