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An improved algorithm for quartic equation classification and Petrov classification

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Abstract

The determination of multiplicities of the roots of quartic equations with (in general) nonconstant coefficients is studied in the context of the Petrov classification of the Weyl conformal curvature tensor. A history of existing algorithms for this determination is given. An alternative algorithm is described and a qualitative comparison to the above-mentioned algorithms given. Following some notes on the actual computer implementation, a quantitative comparison is made between three of the algorithms, using the symbolic computer language Maple. The algorithm is also implemented in the symbolic language MuSimp.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

    F. W. Letniowski & R. G. McLenaghan

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  1. F. W. Letniowski
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  2. R. G. McLenaghan
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Letniowski, F.W., McLenaghan, R.G. An improved algorithm for quartic equation classification and Petrov classification. Gen Relat Gravit 20, 463–483 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00758122

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00758122

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