4
$\begingroup$

Is there a general method to solve the equation $P(x_1,x_2,...,x_n)=0$ with $P$ is a polynomial in $n$ variables with integer coefficients and $x_k=\cos(q_k\pi)$ with $q_k$ is a rational number?

This type of equation appears in the problem of classifying all tetrahedra whose dihedral angles are multiples of $\pi$ and I want to know how to solve this kind of problem generally.

$\endgroup$
1
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ If you know a lower bound for the denominator of all $q_k$, then it can be written as a diophantine equation in a cyclotomic field. There isn't a "general" method, but many methods that can help depending on the shape of the equation. $\endgroup$ Sep 27, 2022 at 8:43

1 Answer 1

6
$\begingroup$

This is really a question about solving multivariable polynomials in roots of unity, which in turn can be deduced from finding all linear combinations of roots of unity with certain coefficients that equal 0. For this look at the old paper of Conway and Jones. I worked something like this out in https://www.impan.pl/pl/wydawnictwa/czasopisma-i-serie-wydawnicze/acta-arithmetica/all/60/3/107463/finding-integers-k-for-which-a-given-diophantine-equation-has-no-solution-in-kth-powers-of-integers

$\endgroup$
1
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ In 1975, Conway suggested I use the methods of Conway-Jones to work on the rational tetrahedra problem to which Veronica refers. I didn't make much progress. $\endgroup$ Sep 27, 2022 at 23:19

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.