$r$-primitive $k$-normal polynomials over finite fields with last two coefficients prescribed

Let $\xi\in\mathbb{F}_{q^m}$ be an $r$-primitive $k$-normal element over $\mathbb{F}_q$, where $q$ is a prime power and $m$ is a positive integer. The minimal polynomial of $\xi$ is referred to be the $r$-primitive $k$-normal polynomial of $\xi$ over $\mathbb{F}_q$. In this article, we study the existence of an $r$-primitive $k$-normal polynomial over $\mathbb{F}_q$ such that the last two coefficients are prescribed. In this context, first, we prove a sufficient condition which guarantees the existence of such a polynomial. Further, we compute all possible exceptional pairs $(q,m)$ in case of $3$-primitive $1$-normal polynomials for $m\geq 7$.

K. Chatterjee, R.K. Sharma, S.K. Tiwari · 2025