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Pre-migration documentation. This site reflects the pre-migration state of the protocol. It’s mostly current, but a few edges may not match ZERA at launch. We’re finalizing the new, detailed ZERA docs now. Thanks for your patience.

Mathematical Foundations

Rigorous mathematical proofs and group‑theoretic constructions

This section provides rigorous mathematical treatment of zero‑knowledge cash systems, including formal proofs, group‑theoretic constructions, and cryptographic security analysis.

1.1 Mathematical Prerequisites

Zero‑knowledge cash systems rely on group theory, cryptographic entropy, homomorphic properties, and zero‑knowledge proofs. Each provides essential guarantees for privacy and soundness.

1.2 Core Mathematical Framework

We anchor randomness in a hard discrete‑log group, evolve it through algebra‑preserving maps, and validate transitions with succinct zero‑knowledge proofs.

This framework yields computational soundness while hiding every intermediate value via commitments and proofs.

Key Mathematical Properties

Group Structure: G = ⟨g⟩ with |G| = q prime ensures each element can be expressed as g^k

Entropy Preservation: H_α(s_i) ≥ H_min for the initial randomness pool

Homomorphic Evolution: φ_H: S_i → S_(i+1) preserving the group law

Commitment Properties: C(m, r) = g^m h^r with perfect hiding and computational binding

Mathematical Components

Algebraic Entropy

Entropy, randomness beacons and unpredictability

Perpetual Genesis

Unending ceremony and evolving base points

Homomorphic Evolution

Balance updates that preserve hidden amounts

Commitment Layer

Commitments, openings and security properties

Zero-Knowledge Proofs

Proving validity without revealing data

Security Analysis

Threat models, assumptions and guarantees