Compatible polynomials and edgewise subdivisions

Abstract

In this paper we answer a question posed by C. A. Athanasiadis. Namely, we prove that the local $h$-polynomial of the $r$th edgewise subdivision of the $(n-1)$-dimensional simplex $2^V$ has only real zeros. In doing so we find a tool, using compatible polynomials, that can be used to check if polynomials in certain types of families of polynomials have only real zeros.