A convolution formula for the Tutte polynomial (Q1306319)

Let \(M\) be a finite matroid with rank function \(r\). For \(A\subseteq M\), denote by \(M|_A\) and \(M|A\) the matroids obtained by restricting \(M\) to \(A\) and contracting \(M\) on \(A\), respectively. The main theorem stated and proved in the paper is: The Tutte polynomial \(T_M(x,y)\) satisfies \[ T_M(x,y)= \sum_{A\subseteq M} T_{M|_A}(0, y)\cdot T_{M|A}(x, 0). \]