On the representation of \(k\)-free integers by binary forms (Q2031499)

Let \(F(x,y)\) be an integral binary form of degree \(d\ge 3\), with non-zero discriminant. This paper is concerned with \(R_{F,k}(Z)\), the number of \(k\)-free values \(h\) attained by \(F\) in the range \(0<|h|\le Z\), and with \(N_{F,k}(Z)\), the number of integer pairs \((x,y)\) for which \(F(x,y)\) is \(k\)-free and \(0<|F(x,y)|\le Z\). Writing \(r\) for the largest degree of any irreducible factor of \(F\), the paper establishes asymptotic formulae \[ R_{F,k}(Z)=(c+o(1))Z^{2/d}\;\; \mbox{and}\;\; N_{F,k}(Z)=(c+o(1))Z^{2/d} \] with various constant \(c\) and explicit error terms, when \[ k>\min \left\{\frac{7r}{18}\,,\,\left \lceil\frac{r}{2}\right\rceil-2\right\}. \] Previously the second author [Int. Math. Res. Not. 2017, No. 16, 5078--5135 (2017; Zbl 1405.11035)] had proved via the determinant method that \(R_{F,k}(Z)\gg Z^{2/d}\) for the above range of \(k\), except in the case \(k=3\), \(r=8\). The principle achievements of the present paper are thus in handling this latter case, in proving asymptotic formulae rather than lower bounds, and in computing the constants \(c\). The paper builds on a variety of earlier works, notably \textit{G. Greaves} [Q. J. Math., Oxf. II. Ser. 43, No. 169, 45--65 (1992; Zbl 0768.11034)], \textit{C. Hooley} [J. Number Theory 129, No. 6, 1443--1455 (2009; Zbl 1233.11101)], \textit{T. D. Browning} [Arch. Math. 96, No. 2, 139--150 (2011; Zbl 1252.11070)], and \textit{C. L. Stewart} and \textit{S. Y. Xiao} [Math. Ann. 375, No. 1--2, 133--163 (2019; Zbl 1464.11035)].