Rings for which general linear forms are exact zero divisors

Abstract

We investigate the standard graded $k$-algebras over a field $k$ of characteristic zero for which general linear forms are exact zero divisors. We formulate a conjecture regarding the Hilbert function of such rings. We prove our conjecture in the case when the ring is a quotient of a polynomial ring by a monomial idea, and also in the case when the ideal is generated in degree 2 and all but one of the generators are monomials.