In a joint work with Alexei Skorobogatov we used a second-moment approach to prove asymptotics for the average of the von Mangoldt function over the values of a typical integer polynomial. As a consequence, we proved Schinzel’s Hypothesis in 100% of the cases. In addition, we proved that a positive proportion of Châtelet equations have a rational point. I will explain subsequent joint work with Tim Browning and Joni Teräväinen that develops the method and establishes asymptotics for averages of an arithmetic function over the values of typical polynomials. Part of the new ideas come from the theory of averages of arithmetic functions in short intervals. One of the applications is that the Hasse principle holds for 100% of Châtelet equations. This agrees with the conjecture of Colliot-Thélène stating that the Brauer-Manin obstruction is the only obstruction to the Hasse principle for rationally connected varieties.
This video is part of the Number Theory Web Seminar series.
