On periodic sequences for algebraic numbers (Q5933396)

The author introduces the number-theoretic transformation \(T(x,y)= (y/x, (1-x-ky)/x)\) on the triangle \(\Delta: 1\geq x\geq y>0\), where \(k= k(x,y)= \lfloor (1-x)/y\rfloor\) is the digit function of \(T\). He investigates some basic properties of the expansion induced by \(T\), such as approximation properties and periodicity. We mention the following results: (i) If the expansion of a pair \((x,y)\) is of the form \((k,k,\dots)\) then \(y=x^2\) and \(x\) is a zero of the cubic polynomial \(p=x^3+ kx^2+x-1\); conversely, if \(x\) is the real root of \(p\) in the unit interval, then the pair \((x,x^2)\) has the expansion \((k,k,\dots)\). (ii) If the expansion of \((x,y)\) is eventually periodic, then both coordinates have degree at most three. Finally the author gives a detailed description of a generalized version of the above transformation acting on a simplex. He conjectures that (i), with obvious modifications, may carry over to the higher-dimensional case. It would also be interesting to obtain metrical results about this expansion.