Uniqueness of certain polynomials constant on a line

Abstract

We study a question with connections to linear algebra, real algebraic geometry, combinatorics, and complex analysis. Let $p(x,y)$ be a polynomial of degree $d$ with $N$ positive coefficients and no negative coefficients, such that $p=1$ when $x+y=1$. A sharp estimate $d \leq 2N-3$ is known. In this paper we study the $p$ for which equality holds. We prove some new results about the form of these "sharp" polynomials. Using these new results and using two independent computational methods we give a complete classification of these polynomials up to $d=17$. The question is motivated by the problem of classification of CR maps between spheres in different dimensions.