3
$\begingroup$

Does anyone know any Mathematica code for computing the $p$-adic expansion of rational numbers? I.e. given a rational number $a/b,~a,b\in \mathbb{Z}$ and a prime number $p$, then compute the $p$-adic expansion of $a/b$ (to some order).

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

9
$\begingroup$

Something like this code should work:

pExpand[x : (_Rational | _Integer), p_?PrimeQ, n_ /; Positive[n]] := 
  Module[{q = p^n, num, den, v, e}, v = IntegerExponent[#, p] &
  /@ ({num, den} = #[x] & /@ {Numerator, Denominator});
  If[(e = v[[1]] - v[[2]]) > 0, num /= p^v[[1]], den /= p^v[[2]]];
  {e, Reverse@IntegerDigits[Mod[num PowerMod[den, -1, q], q], p, n]}];

The last line gives the $p$-adic valuation and digits. For example:

  pExpand[21/5, 7, 6] == {1, {2, 4, 5, 2, 1, 4}}

means that $\, 21/5 = 7^1\cdot (2 + 4\cdot7 + 5\cdot7^2 + 2\cdot7^3 + 1\cdot7^4 + 4\cdot7^5 + O(7^6)).$

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.