On rational approximation of algebraic functions

We construct a new scheme of approximation of any multivalued algebraic function f(z) by a sequence {rn(z)}n∈N of rational functions. The latter sequence is generated by a recurrence relation which is completely determined by the algebraic equation satisfied by f(z). Compared to the usual Padé approximation our scheme has a number of advantages, such as simple computational procedures that allow us to prove natural analogs of the Padé Conjecture and Nuttall's Conjecture for the sequence {rn(z)}n∈N in the complement CP1⧹Df, where Df is the union of a finite number of segments of real algebraic curves and finitely many isolated points. In particular, our construction makes it possible to control the behavior of spurious poles and to describe the asymptotic ratio distribution of the family {rn(z)}n∈N. As an application we settle the so-called 3-conjecture of Egecioglu et al. dealing with a 4-term recursion related to a polynomial Riemann Hypothesis.