Arithmetic Dynamics — Iteration over Finite Fields

Periodic orbits, portrait structure, and fixed points of rational maps f: 𝔽_p → 𝔽_p

Map f(x)

Portrait

The functional graph of f on 𝔽_p. Each connected component has a unique cycle (periodic orbit) with trees hanging off each cycle node.
Periodic (on cycle)
Preperiodic (tails)
Fixed point (period 1)

Theory

Fixed pts: solutions to f(x)=x in 𝔽_p.

Periodic orbit of period n: f^n(x)=x, f^k(x)≠x for k<n.

Portrait: digraph Γ_f with edges x→f(x). Rho-shaped components.

For f(x)=x²: fixed pts are 0,1 (and -1 if p≡3 mod 4 gives √(-1) issues). Period divides ord(2) in (ℤ/p)*.