Permutation polynomials of the form \(\sum_{n=1}^k h(n) X^n\) (Q6943858)

This short paper proves a single theorem giving necessary and sufficient conditions under which a polynomial of a specific form acts as the identity on a finite field \(\mathbb{F}_q\) of characteristic \(p\). The specific form of the polynomial is \(f(x):=\sum_{n=1}^k h(n)x^n\) where \(h\) is itself a polynomial over \(\mathbb{F}_q\) and \(k\equiv1\bmod p(q-1)\). The motivation is to generalize an earlier result of \textit{C. K. Vishwakarma} and \textit{R. P. Singh} [Integers 24, Paper A12, 11 p. (2024; Zbl 1551.11130)] and to simplify their proof.