An inversion formula for two polynomials in two variables (Q1090716)

Let k be any field, and let \(\phi\) : k[Z,W]\(\to k[x,y]\) be a surjective homomorphism of k-algebras, such that \(\phi (Z)=f(x,y)\) and \(\phi (W)=g(x,y)\). The authors note that \(\phi^{-1}\) exists, and derive a neat closed formula for \(\phi^{-1}(x)\) and \(\phi^{-1}(y)\), which only involves the ''border polynomials'' f(0,t), f(t,0), g(0,t), and g(t,0). In particular, this implies the coefficients of the mixed terms of f and g are completely determined by those of the pure powers of x and y. A discussion of similar phenomena in higher-dimensional cases is promised in a subsequent paper.