Polynomials in modules. I: Vector spaces (Q1097316)

On the set of functions \(f: V\to W\), between R-modules, R an arbitrary commutative ring, one defines the operator \(A_ m\), \((A_ mf: V^ m\to W,\) \((A_ mf)(x)=\sum_{S\subset \{1,2,...,m\}}(-1)^{m-| S|}f(\sum_{i\in S}x_ i),\) \((\forall)\) \(x\in V^ m\), \(x=(x_ 1,x_ 2,...,x_ m)\), \(x_ i\in V\) [\textit{M. Fréchet}, ``Une définition fonctionnelle des polynômes'', Nouv. Ann. Math., IV. Sér. 9, 145-162 (1909)]. This operator is called the alternator of degree m-1. It converts a function of one vector variable to a symmetric function of m vector variables and it vanishes on polynomials of degree \(m-1\). Another operator used by the author in building functional equations characterizing polynomial functions of degree (at most) n on modules is the interpolator L of degree r-2 defined as follows: \(([\pi/\alpha_ 1,\alpha_ 2,...,\alpha_ r]f)(x)=\sum^{r}_{q=1}(- 1)\) \(q\prod_{j<k;j,k\neq q}(\alpha_ k-\alpha_ j)f(\alpha_ qx),\quad x\in V\), \(\alpha_ 1,\alpha_ 2,...,\alpha_ r\in R\). In the case of functions of several vector variables one defines the partial interpolators \(([L/\alpha_ 1,\alpha_ 2,...,\alpha_ r]\) \(n_ ig)(y)=\sum^{r}_{q=1}(-1)\) \(q\prod_{j<k;\quad j,k\neq q}(\alpha_ k-\alpha_ j)g(y_ 1,...,y_{i-1},\alpha_ qy_ i,y_{i+1},...,y_ n)\), \(y\in V^ n\), \(y=(y_ 1,y_ 2,...,y_ n)\), \(y_ i\in V\). For f to be an (at most) n-th degree polynomial \(A_{n+1}f\) and all Lf, L of n-th degree, must vanish. Significant results are obtained, whose abstracting in the present review fatally would be incomplete. The paper merits to be studied.