Solving for Distinct Vectors of G: $\mathbb{F}_p$, n, and v

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mathematical problem of determining pairs \( p, n \) for which there exists a vector \( v \) and a matrix \( M \) such that the \( p^n \) vectors of the k-fold composition \( G^k(0) \) are distinct, where \( G(x) = v + Mx \) and \( M \) is an \( n \times n \) matrix over \( \mathbb{F}_p \). The key conclusion is that specific configurations of \( v \) and \( M \) can lead to distinct outputs for all \( k \) from 1 to \( p^n \). The discussion includes general tips for approaching the problem, emphasizing the importance of understanding the properties of linear transformations in finite fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of finite fields, specifically \( \mathbb{F}_p \)
  • Knowledge of linear algebra concepts, particularly matrix operations
  • Familiarity with vector spaces and their properties
  • Basic understanding of function composition in mathematical contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of linear transformations over finite fields
  • Study the implications of matrix rank on the distinctness of vector outputs
  • Explore the concept of vector space dimension in relation to \( \mathbb{F}_p \)
  • Investigate examples of distinct vector generation using specific matrices in \( \mathbb{F}_p \)
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Mathematicians, students studying linear algebra, and researchers interested in finite fields and their applications in vector space theory.

jakncoke1
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Let $\mathbb{F}_p$ denote the integers mod p and let n be a positive integer.
Let v be a fixed vector $\in \mathbb{F}_p^{n}$, Let M be a nxn matrix with entries from $\mathbb{F}_p$. Define G:$\mathbb{F}_p^{n} \to \mathbb{F}_p^{n}$ by
G(x) = v + Mx. Define the k-fold composition of G by itself by $G^{1}(x) = G(x)$
and $G^{k+1} = G (G^{k}(x))$ Determine all pairs p,n for which there exists a vector v and a matrix M such that the $p^n$ vectors of $G^{k}(0), k=1,...,p^{n}$ are distinct.
 
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I've solved it but it will take a bit to type the justification for some of the points but contained in the spoiler are general tips for how to think about the problem
This is a pretty interesting question.
Basically it is asking, for which matrix group $GL_{n+1}(F_p)$, can you generate all the elements in $(F_p)^n$ by iterating a matrix (raising it to the power), and get all the elements in $(F_p)^n$.

Basically for which $GL_{n+1}(F_p)$ does there exist an element of order $p^{n}$.
 
Still writing it, hit sumbit by mistake, bear with me.
 

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