On the sumsets of polynomial units in a finite commutative ring (Q2166115)

Let \(R\) be a finite commutative ring with zero element \(0_R\) and identity element \(1_R\ne 0_R\) and let \(R^\ast\) be the multiplicative group of units of \(R\). Let \(k\) be an integer with \(k\ge 2\). Let \(f(x)\in R[x]\) be a non-constant polynomial. An element \(u\in R\) is called an \(f\)-unit if \(f(u)\in R^*\). An \(f\)-unit is called an exceptional unit when \(f(x)= x(1_R-x)\). The main purpose of this paper is to obtain an exact formula for the number of representations of any element of \(R\) as the sum of \(k\) \(f\)-units of \(R\). Furthermore, by using the technique of exponential sums, a more explicit formula is deduced for the case when \(f(x)\) is linear or quadratic. The results of this paper generalize the theorem of \textit{C. Miguel} [Monatsh. Math. 186, No. 2, 315--320 (2018; Zbl 1447.11009)] from exceptional unit case to general \(f\)-unit case and the theorem of \textit{J. Zhao} et al. [Bull. Aust. Math. Soc. 105, No. 2, 202--211 (2022; Zbl 1500.11013)] from the ring of residue classes to the general finite commutative ring with identity.