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Schneider method

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The name "Schneider method" arises from the solution, by Th. Schneider [a5] in 1934, to Hilbert's seventh problem (cf. also Hilbert problems): If is a non-zero algebraic number, a non-zero logarithm of and an irrational algebraic number, then the number is transcendental (cf. also Transcendental number).

One main idea in Schneider's proof is to investigate values of a function at points (), where is a polynomial with algebraic coefficients. Assuming is algebraic, a non-zero polynomial is constructed so that vanishes at many such points ; this construction is based on Dirichlet's box principle or pigeon hole principle (the Thue–Siegel lemma, cf. also Transcendency, measure of; Dirichlet principle). A clever computation of a determinant is an essential tool of Schneider's proof.

A slight modification of the same argument yields the so-called six exponentials theorem [a2], [a4]: If , are two complex numbers that are linearly independent over (cf. also Linear independence) and if , , are three complex numbers that are linearly independent over , then at least one of the six numbers

is transcendental.

In relation with this statement, one of the simplest open (as of 2000) problems which would follow from the conjecture that "linearly independent logarithms of algebraic numbers are algebraically independent" is the four exponentials conjecture: If , are two complex numbers that are linearly independent over and if , are also two complex numbers that are linearly independent over , then at least one of the four numbers

is transcendental.

Both S. Lang [a2] and K. Ramachandra [a4] have given general statements concerning the simultaneous algebraic values of analytic functions by means of Schneider's method. Typically, these statements are efficient for functions satisfying functional equations, for instance when , and are algebraically dependent. This method yields transcendence results as well as results of algebraic independence on values of exponential, elliptic or Abelian functions; more generally it applies to the arithmetic study of commutative algebraic groups.

Schneider's method can be extended to several variables, and then yields partial results related to the Leopoldt conjecture on the -adic rank of the units of an algebraic number field [a6]. It also gives lower bounds for the ranks of matrices whose entries are linear combinations with algebraic coefficients of logarithms of algebraic numbers [a3], a special case of which is Roy's strong six exponentials theorem: If is a -matrix, with , whose entries are linear combinations of logarithms of algebraic numbers, with rows linearly independent over the field of algebraic numbers and with columns linearly independent over the field of algebraic numbers, then the rank of is at least .

An extension of Schneider's method also provides sharp measures for linear independence of logarithms of algebraic numbers [a1].

References

[a1] M. Waldschmidt, "Diophantine approximation on linear algebraic groups. Transcendence properties of the exponential function in several variables" , Grundl. Math. Wissenschaft. , 326 , Springer (2000)
[a2] S. Lang, "Introduction to transcendental numbers" , Addison-Wesley and Don Mills (1966)
[a3] D. Roy, "Matrices whose coefficients are linear forms in logarithms" J. Number Theory , 41 : 1 (1992) pp. 22–47
[a4] K. Ramachandra, "Contributions to the theory of transcendental numbers I—II" Acta Arith. , 14 (1967/68) pp. 65–72; 73–88
[a5] Th. Schneider, "Transzendenzuntersuchungen periodischer Funktionen I" J. Reine Angew. Math. , 172 (1934) pp. 65–69
[a6] M. Waldschmidt, "Transcendance et exponentielles en plusieurs variables" Invent. Math. , 63 : 1 (1981) pp. 97–127
How to Cite This Entry:
Schneider method. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Schneider_method&oldid=11823
This article was adapted from an original article by Michel Waldschmidt (originator), which appeared in Encyclopedia of Mathematics - ISBN 1402006098. See original article