The multiplicity conjecture in low codimensions (Q812520)

Let \(R = K[x_1,\ldots,x_n]\) denote the standard graded polynomial ring in \(n\) variables over the field \(K.\) Let \( I \subset R\) denote a homogeneous ideal of codimension \(c.\) It was shown by \textit{C. Huneke} and \textit{M. Miller} [Can. J. Math. 37, 1149--1162 (1985; Zbl 0579.13012)], that if \(R/I\) is Cohen-Macaulay with a pure resolution over \(R\) then there is an expression of the multiplicity \(e(R/I)\) in terms of the degree of the syzygies of \(R/I.\) In recent research that leads to the multiplicity conjecture for a Cohen-Macaulay ring \(R/I,\) that is, the estimate of \(e(R/I)\) from above and below in terms of the degrees of the upper and lower strips of the Betti diagram of \(R/I.\) In the present paper the authors prove the multiplicity conjecture for a perfect ideal \(I\) of codimension \(2\), respectively a Gorenstein ideal \(I\) of codimension \(3.\) In fact, there are sharper lower and upper bounds in both cases. In addition, if the lower respectively the upper bound is achieved, it is shown that \(R/I\) has a pure resolution. The methods of proofs consist in exhibiting a specific example for each possible set of Betti numbers and a reduction procedure that allows the authors to proceed by induction. To this end they use the Hilbert-Burch theorem in codimension 2, respectively the Buchsbaum-Eisenbud theorem in codimension 3. In the case of codimension 2 these results extends those of \textit{J. Herzog} and \textit{H. Srivanasan} [Trans. Am. Soc. 350, 2879--2902 (1998; Zbl 0899.13026)], where the original conjecture was established. By the Hilbert-Burch theorem a perfect ideal of codimension 2 is determinantal. Recently, \textit{R. M. Miro-Roig} [J. Algebra 299, No. 2, 714--724 (2006; Zbl 1116.13008); Preprint \url{arXiv:math.AC/0504077}], has shown that the multiplicity conjecture is true for the case of perfect determinantal ideals. For further information about the multiplicity conjecture see also a manuscript by \textit{J. Herzog} and \textit{X. Zheng} [Collect. Math. 57, No. 2, 211--226 (2006; Zbl 1116.13022); Preprint \url{arXiv:math.AC/0505146}].