Separately polynomial functions (Q2070999)

Let \(G\) be a topological abelian group. A continuous function \(f: G\to \mathbb{C}\) is a \textit{generalized polynomial}, if there is an \(n\geq 0\) such that \(\Delta_{ h_1}\dots \Delta_{h_{n+1}} f=0\) for every \(h_1,\dots,h_{n+1}\in G\), where \(\Delta_{h}f(x)=f(x+h)-f(x)\) for every \(h,\,x\in G\). A function \(f: G\to \mathbb{C}\) is said to be a \textit{polynomial} if there are continuous additive functions \(a_1,\dots,a_n: G\to \mathbb{C}\) and there is a \(P\in\mathbb{C}[x_1,\dots,x_n]\) such that \(f=P(a_1,\dots,a_n)\). A function is a polynomial if and only if it is a generalized polynomial and the linear span of its translates is of finite dimension. If \(f:\mathbb{R}^2\to \mathbb{R}\) is a polynomial in each variable, then \(f\) is a polynomial. The aim of this paper is to find generalizations when \(\mathbb{R}^2\) is replaced by the product of two topological abelian groups \(G\) and \(H\). On topological abelian groups we have to distinguish between the class of polynomials and the wider class of generalized polynomials. The two classes coincide if the group contains a dense subgroup of finite rank. The appropriate problem is to find conditions on the groups \(G\) and \(H\) ensuring that whenever a function \(f:G\times H\to \mathbb{C}\) is a generalized polynomial in each variable, then it is a generalized polynomial. The conclusion holds in the following cases. \begin{itemize} \item If \(G\) is a connected Baire space and \(H\) has a dense subgroup of finite rank. \item If \(G\) and \(H\) are both connected Baire spaces, and one of them is metrizable or, if both are locally compact. \item If \(G\) and \(H\) are connected Baire spaces and \(f\) has at least one point of joint continuity. The condition of continuity can be omitted if \(G\) and \(H\) are locally compact or one of them is metrizable. \end{itemize} Finally the authors list several examples showing that some of the above conditions cannot be omitted.