Factoring multivariate polynomials over hyperfields and the multivariable Descartes' problem

Abstract: We develop several notions of multiplicity for linear factors of multivariable polynomials over different arithmetics (hyperfields). The key example is multiplicities over the hyperfield of signs, which encapsulates the arithmetic of $\mathbf{R}/\mathbf{R}_{>0}$. These multiplicities give us various upper and lower bounds on the number of linear factors with a given sign pattern in terms of the signs of the coefficients of the factored polynomial. Using resultants, we can transform a square system of polynomials into a single polynomial whose multiplicities give us bounds on the number of positive solutions to the system. In particular, we are able to re-derive the lower bound of Itenberg and Roy on any potential upper bound for the number of solutions to a system of equations with a given sign pattern. In addition, our techniques also explain a particular counterexample of Li and Wang to Itenberg and Roy's proposed upper bound.