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Mahler-Lech Theorem


Let K be a field of field characteristic 0 (e.g., the rationals Q) and let {u_n} be a sequence of elements of K which satisfies a difference equation of the form

 0=c_0u_n+c_1u_(n+1)+...+c_ku_(n+k),

where the coefficients c_i are fixed elements of K. Then, for any c in K, we have either u_n=c for only finitely many values of n, or u_n=c for the values of n in some arithmetic progression.

The proof involves embedding certain fields inside the p-adic numbers Q_p for some prime p, and using properties of zeros of power series over Q_p (Strassman's theorem).


See also

Arithmetic Progression, p-adic Number, Strassman's Theorem

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Cite this as:

Weisstein, Eric W. "Mahler-Lech Theorem." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/Mahler-LechTheorem.html

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