Non-divisibility of LCM Matrices by GCD Matrices on GCD-closed Sets

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the divisibility problem of LCM matrices by GCD matrices in the ring $M_n(\mathbb{Z})$ proposed by Hong in 2002 and in particular a conjecture concerning the divisibility problem raised by Zhao in 2014. We present some certain gcd-closed sets on which the LCM matrix is not divisible by the GCD matrix in the ring $M_n(\mathbb{Z})$. This could be the first theoretical evidence that Zhao's conjecture might be true. Furthermore, we give the necessary and sufficient conditions on the gcd-closed set $S$ with $|S|\leq 8$ such that the GCD matrix divides the LCM matrix in the ring $M_n(\mathbb{Z})$ and hence we partially solve Hong's problem. Finally, we conclude with a new conjecture that can be thought as a generalization of Zhao's conjecture.