Gordan ideals in the theory of binary forms (Q1320230)

The author considers subvarieties \(X_{p,q}\) associated with a two dimensional complex vector space \(V\) and binary forms of degree \(g\) having a root of multiplicity \(\geq p\). He started the study of these objects in J. Algebra, 122, No. 1, 244-249 (1989; Zbl 0689.14001). In this paper he finds an explicit deformation of the rings of covariants of subvarieties \(X_{p,g}\) to a ring generated by monomials. There is deduced an explicit estimate for the degrees of generating covariants. It is proved that if \(2k - 2 < g/2\) then the defining ideal \(J_{g - k + 1}\) of \(X_{g - k + 1,g}\) is generated by quadrics. This allows a geometric interpretation of Gordan's algorithm for computing covariants of binary forms [cf. \textit{J. H. Grace} and \textit{A. Young}, ``The algebra of invariants'' (1903)]. Finally there are obtained applications of multiplicity ideals to find the invariants of binary forms of low degrees. The paper contains many suggestive examples.