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What is the probability that a random integral quadratic form in n variables has an integral zero?

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Bhargava, Manjul, Cremona, J. E., Fisher, Tom, Jones, Nick G. and Keating, Jonathan P. (2015) What is the probability that a random integral quadratic form in n variables has an integral zero? International Mathematics Research Notices . rnv251. doi:10.1093/imrn/rnv251

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/imrn/rnv251

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Abstract

We show that the density of quadratic forms in nn variables over ZpZp that are isotropic is a rational function of pp, where the rational function is independent of pp, and we determine this rational function explicitly. When real quadratic forms in nn variables are distributed according to the Gaussian Orthogonal Ensemble (GOE) of random matrix theory, we determine explicitly the probability that a random such real quadratic form is isotropic (i.e., indefinite). As a consequence, for each nn, we determine an exact expression for the probability that a random integral quadratic form in nn variables is isotropic (i.e., has a nontrivial zero over ZZ), when these integral quadratic forms are chosen according to the GOE distribution. In particular, we find an exact expression for the probability that a random integral quaternary quadratic form is isotropic; numerically, this probability of isotropy is approximately 98.3%.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics
Divisions: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Science > Mathematics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Forms, Quadratic
Journal or Publication Title: International Mathematics Research Notices
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISSN: 1073-7928
Official Date: 9 September 2015
Dates:
DateEvent
9 September 2015Published
27 July 2015Accepted
20 March 2015Submitted
Number of Pages: 21
Article Number: rnv251
DOI: 10.1093/imrn/rnv251
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Funder: National Science Foundation (U.S.) (NSF), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Leverhulme Trust (LT), Royal Society (Great Britain). Wolfson Research Merit Award (RSWRMA), United States. Air Force (USAF), University of Warwick, Research Councils UK (RCUK)
Grant number: DMS- 1001828 (NSF), EP/K034383/1 (EPSRC), FA8655-10-1-3088 (USAF)

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