Simultaneous Rational Approximation to Binomial Functions

We apply Padé approximation techniques to deduce lower bounds for simultaneous rational approximation to one or more algebraic numbers. In particular, we strengthen work of Osgood, Fel’dman and Rickert, proving, for example, that max {∣∣∣√2− p1/q∣∣∣ , ∣∣∣√3− p2/q∣∣∣} > q−1.79155 for q > q0 (where the latter is an effective constant). Some of the Diophantine consequences of such bounds will be discussed, specifically in the direction of solving simultaneous Pell’s equations and norm form equations.