Ranks of Matrices of Logarithms of Algebraic Numbers II: The Matrix Coefficient Conjecture

Abstract

Many questions in number theory concern the nonvanishing of determinants of square matrices of logarithms (complex or p-adic) of algebraic numbers. We present a new conjecture that states that if such a matrix has vanishing determinant, then after a rational change of basis on the left and right, it can be made to have a vanishing coefficient.