Generic Whitehead minimality conjecture

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Let FrF_r be a free group of rank r≥2r\geq 2, and interpret “almost all” using asymptotic density on the set of elements of FrF_r ordered by word length. An element is Whitehead minimal if no Whitehead automorphism reduces its length. Generic Whitehead minimality conjecture. Almost all elements of FrF_r are Whitehead minimal. The conjecture is motivated by the efficiency of Whitehead descent algorithms; the source notes a theoretical justification relative to asymptotic density, but does not state that the conjecture is fully resolved.

References

Primary source

Alexei D. Miasnikov and Alexei G. Myasnikov, “Whitehead method and Genetic Algorithms”, arXiv:math/0304283 (2003).

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