An extension of the Wilf conjecture to semimodules over a numerical semigroup

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to propose an extension of the Wilf conjecture to semimodules over a numerical semigroup through a new approach toward the solution of the Wilf conjecture on numerical semigroups. The key point is the introduction of a new invariant that we call Wilf function of a semigroup that can be also defined for a semimodule over the semigroup. We also study the relation of the Wilf function of a semigroup and the Wilf function of certain semimodules associated to a gap of the semigroup. As a consequence, we obtain an alternative conjecture which also implies the Wilf conjecture. Finally, we show that the natural generalization of Wilf conjecture to semimodules over the semigroup does not work unless we used the Wilf function of the semimodule. In this direction, we propose several questions regarding the possible extensions of Wilf-type inequalities for semimodules.