Projections of cones and the arithmetical rank of toric varieties

Abstract

Let $I_M$ and $I_N$ be defining ideals of toric varieties such that $I_M$ is a projection of $I_N$, i.e. $I_N \subseteq I_M$. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the equality $I_M=rad(I_N+(f_1,...,f_s))$, where $f_1,...,f_s$ belong to $I_M$. Also a method for finding toric varieties which are set-theoretic complete intersection is given. Finally we apply our method in the computation of the arithmetical rank of certain toric varieties and provide the defining equations of the above toric varieties.