Fat Points in ℙ1× ℙ1and Their Hilbert Functions

Abstract

AbstractWe study the Hilbert functions of fat points in ℙ1× ℙ1. IfZ⊆ ℙ1× ℙ1is an arbitrary fat point scheme, then it can be shown that for everyiandjthe values of the Hilbert functionHZ(l,j) andHZ(i,l) eventually become constant forl≫ 0. We show how to determine these eventual values by using only the multiplicities of the points, and the relative positions of the points in ℙ1× ℙ1. This enables us to compute all but a finite number values ofHZwithout using the coordinates of points. We also characterize the ACM fat point schemes using our description of the eventual behaviour. In fact, in the case thatZ⊆ ℙ1× ℙ1is ACM, then the entire Hilbert function and its minimal free resolution depend solely on knowing the eventual values of the Hilbert function.