Matrix representation of formal polynomials over max-plus algebra

Abstract

This paper proposes the matrix representation of formal polynomials over max-plus algebra and obtains the maximum and minimum canonical forms of a polynomial function by standardizing this representation into a canonical form. A necessary and sufficient condition for two formal polynomials corresponding to the same polynomial function is derived. Such a matrix method is constructive and intuitive, and leads to a polynomial algorithm for factorization of polynomial functions. Some illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the results.