Polynomial representatives of finite-field maps: a sharp dimensional dichotomy
Let $k=\mathbb{F}_q$. A polynomial representative of a finite-set map is a tuple of polynomials inducing that map on the rational-point grid. We prove a sharp distinction between a finite-set map and the geometry of its representatives. If $n=1$ or $n=2$, every polynomial representative of a permutation of $k^n$ has al...