A class of polynomial planar vector fields with polynomial first integral (Q2348421)

The existence of a rational first integral \(H=f/g\) guarantees that every invariant curve is algebraic and can be obtained from some equation of the type \(\lambda f+ \mu g=0\), with \((\lambda:\mu) \in \mathbb{C} \mathbb{P}^1\), \(\mathbb{C} \mathbb{P}^1\) being the complex projective line. The Poincaré problem consists in obtaining an upper bound of the degree of the first integral depending only on the degree of the polynomial differential system. It is well-known that such a bound does not exist in general [\textit{A. Lins Neto}, Ann. Sci. Éc. Norm. Supér. (4) 35, No. 2, 231--266 (2002; Zbl 1130.34301)]. The Painlevé problem asks for recognizing the genus of the general solution of a system as above and again in [loc. cit.] gives a negative answer. As a particular case of algebraically integrable systems, one can consider those admitting a polynomial first integral. In the present paper the authors consider the subfamily of such systems, formed by planar polynomial differential systems with a polynomial first integral which factorizes as a product of curves with only one place at infinity. These curves are a wide class of plane curves characterized by the fact that they meet a certain line (the line at infinity) in a unique point where the curve is reduced and unibranch. The authors give an algorithm for deciding whether a planar polynomial differential system has a first integral which factorizes as a product of defining polynomials of curves with only one place at infinity, i.e., when such system belongs to the above subfamily. In the affirmative case, the algorithm computes a minimal first integral. Moreover the authors solve the Poincaré problem for the class of systems which admit a polynomial first integral as above in the sense that the degree of the minimal first integral can be computed from the reduction of singularities of the corresponding vector field.