Volume and Hilbert function of R-divisors

Abstract

If D is a big divisor and E is an effective divisor, then vol(D-E)<=vol(D)<=vol(D+E). We discuss when each inequality is an equality. Surprisingly, the answer is that the asymptotic equality vol(D-E)=vol(D) is equivalent to the equality of the Hilbert functions of D-E and D. The analogous result holds when vol(D)=vol(D+E).