Root geometry of polynomial sequences I: Type (0,1)(0,1)

This paper is concerned with the distribution in the complex plane of the roots of a polynomial sequence $\{W_n(x)\}_{n\ge0}$ given by a recursion $W_n(x)=aW_{n-1}(x)+(bx+c)W_{n-2}(x)$, with $W_0(x)=1$ and $W_1(x)=t(x-r)$, where $a>0$, $b>0$, and $c,t,r\in\mathbb{R}$. Our results include proof of the distinct-real-rootedness of every such polynomial $W_n(x)$, derivation of the best bound for the zero-set \{x\mid W_n(x)=0\ \text{for some n\ge1}\}, and determination of three precise limit points of this zero-set. Also, we give several applications from combinatorics and topological graph theory.Comment: 24 pages, 1 figur

Root geometry of polynomial sequences II: Type (1,0)

We consider the sequence of polynomials $W_n(x)$ defined by the recursion $W_n(x)=(ax+b)W_{n-1}(x)+dW_{n-2}(x)$, with initial values $W_0(x)=1$ and $W_1(x)=t(x-r)$, where $a,b,d,t,r$ are real numbers, $a,t>0$, and $d<0$. We show that every polynomial $W_n(x)$ is distinct-real-rooted, and that the roots of the polynomial $W_n(x)$ interlace the roots of the polynomial $W_{n-1}(x)$. We find that, as $n\to\infty$, the sequence of smallest roots of the polynomials $W_n(x)$ converges decreasingly to a real number, and that the sequence of largest roots converges increasingly to a real number. Moreover, by using the Dirichlet approximation theorem, we prove that there is a number to which, for every positive integer $i\ge2$, the sequence of $i$th smallest roots of the polynomials $W_n(x)$ converges. Similarly, there is a number to which, for every positive integer $i\ge2$, the sequence of $i$th largest roots of the polynomials $W_n(x)$ converges. It turns out that these two convergence points are independent of the numbers $t$ and $r$, as well as $i$. We derive explicit expressions for these four limit points, and we determine completely when some of these limit points coincide.Comment: 37 page