Algebraic observations on the Jacobian conjecture. (Q1400180)

Let \(K\) be a field of characteristic zero and \(F=(f_1,\dots,f_n):K^n \rightarrow K^n\) be a polynomial map such that \(J(f_1,\dots,f_n) = \text{det}(\frac {\partial(f_i)} {\partial x_j}) = 1\). Then \(F\) is invertible (Jacobian conjecture). It is proved that, provided the Jacobian conjecture is false, there exists a counterexample \(F=(f_1,\dots,f_n)\) with the following properties: (a) \(\langle f_1,\dots,f_n\rangle = \langle p(x_1),x_2,\dots,x_n\rangle\), (b) \(\text{deg}_{\{x_2,\dots,x_n\}} f_i \leq 3\) and (c) \(\deg_{x_1} f_i \leq 2\text{\,deg}(p(x_1)) -1\) for all \(i\). The case of 2 variables is studied in more detail. So it is proved that the Jacobian conjecture is true if and only if \(J(f_1,f_2) = 1\) implies \(K[x_1,f_1,f_2] = K[x_1,x_2]\) or \(K[x_1,f_1,f_2]/\langle x_1-a\rangle= K[x_1,x_2]/\langle x_1-a\rangle\) , \(a\in K\) or \(K(x_1)[f_1,f_2] = K(x_1)[x_2]\).