Fat points of \({\mathbb{P}}^n\) whose support is contained in a linear proper subspace. (Q5939903)

Let \(P_1,\dots,P_s\) be points in \(\mathbb{P}^n\) and \(Z=m_1P+ \cdots+ m_sP_s\) a scheme of fat points, i.e. the scheme defined by \(I_Z= (I_{P_1})^{m_1} \cap\cdots \cap(I_{P_s})^{m_s}\). Under the assumption that \(\{P_1, \dots,P_s\}\) is contained in a proper linear subspace \(L\) of \(\mathbb{P}^n\), the authors determine the relation between the Hilbert function of \(Z\) and the corresponding scheme of fat points \(\overline Z=m_1P_1+ \cdots +m_sP_s\) in \(L\). If the support \(\{P_1, \dots, P_s\}\) of \(Z\) is contained in a line or a plane conic, the Hilbert function of \(Z\) is given by an explicit formula. Moreover, the authors prove an inequality between the regularity indices of \(Z\) and \(\overline Z\) and derive inequalities for the regularity index of \(Z\).