On coefficients of polynomials over finite fields (Q650833)

Let \(\mathbb F_q\) be a finite field and let \(f(x)\) be a polynomial over \(\mathbb F_q\) of degree \(\leq q-1\). The authors begin by giving a formula for the coefficients of \(f(x)\) in terms of the elements of \(\mathbb F_q\) moved by \(f\). This extends a result of \textit{G. L. Mullen} and \textit{B. G. Vioreanu} [Bull. Inst. Comb. Appl. 57, 99--106 (2009; Zbl 1228.11175)] for permutation polynomials. Numerous consequences follow. For example, if \(f\) fixes \(k<q\) elements of \(\mathbb F_q\) then \(\deg f\geq k\). If \(f(0)=0\) then no \(m\) consecutive coefficients of \(f\) are all zero. Further, there are at least \((q-1)/m-1\) non-zero coefficients if \(m\mid q-1\) and at least \((q-1)/m\) if \(m\nmid q-1\).