Galois Groups .... A&F Example 47.7 .... ....

In summary, Peter is reading Anderson and Feil's "A First Course in Abstract Algebra" and is currently focused on Chapter 47, which discusses Galois Groups. He needs help with Example 47.7 and its proof, specifically with understanding why [ \mathbb{Q} ( \zeta ) : \mathbb{Q} ] = 2. Anderson and Feil define \zeta as a root of $x^2+x+1$ in Chapter 9, Exercise 25, and someone named Euge explains that this is because $x^2+x+1$ is irreducible over $\Bbb Q$. Peter thanks Euge for their help.
  • #1
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I am reading Anderson and Feil - A First Course in Abstract Algebra.

I am currently focused on Ch. 47: Galois Groups... ...

I need some help with an aspect of the Example 47.7 ...

Example 47.7 and its proof read as follows:
View attachment 6869
View attachment 6870In the above example, Anderson and Feil write the following:

"... ... We note that \(\displaystyle [ \mathbb{Q} ( \sqrt[3]{2} ) : \mathbb{Q} ] = 3\) and \(\displaystyle [ \mathbb{Q} ( \zeta ) : \mathbb{Q} ] = 2\). ... ... "
Can someone please explain to me how/why \(\displaystyle [ \mathbb{Q} ( \zeta ) : \mathbb{Q} ] = 2\) ... ... ?

Anderson and Feil give the definition of \(\displaystyle \zeta\) in Chapter 9 in Exercise 25 ... as follows ... :
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/6871
Hope someone can help ...

Peter
 
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  • #2
Since $\zeta^3 = 1$, $\zeta$ is a root of $x^3 - 1$. Note $x^3 - 1 = (x - 1)(x^2+x+1)$. So as $\zeta \neq 1$, $\zeta$ is a root of $x^2+x+1$, which is irreducible over $\Bbb Q$. Hence, $|\Bbb Q(\zeta): \Bbb Q| = 2$.
 
  • #3
Euge said:
Since $\zeta^3 = 1$, $\zeta$ is a root of $x^3 - 1$. Note $x^3 - 1 = (x - 1)(x^2+x+1)$. So as $\zeta \neq 1$, $\zeta$ is a root of $x^2+x+1$, which is irreducible over $\Bbb Q$. Hence, $|\Bbb Q(\zeta): \Bbb Q| = 2$.
Thanks Euge ... appreciate your help ...

Peter
 

1. What is a Galois Group?

A Galois Group is a mathematical concept named after the French mathematician Evariste Galois. It is a group of automorphisms, or symmetries, that preserve the structure of a field extension.

2. How is a Galois Group calculated?

To calculate a Galois Group, one must first find the roots of the polynomial equation and determine if they can be expressed using elementary algebraic expressions. If not, then the Galois Group is the full symmetric group of all possible permutations of the roots. If the roots can be expressed algebraically, then the Galois Group is a subgroup of the symmetric group.

3. What is an example of a Galois Group?

An example of a Galois Group is the Galois Group of the polynomial x^3 - 2. The roots of this polynomial are ∛2, ∛2ω, and ∛2ω^2, where ω is a primitive cube root of unity. The Galois Group in this case is the group of permutations of these roots, which is isomorphic to the symmetric group S3.

4. What is the significance of Galois Groups in mathematics?

Galois Groups play a crucial role in the study of field extensions and their properties. They provide a way to understand the solvability of polynomial equations, and are essential in Galois theory, which is a branch of abstract algebra. Galois Groups also have applications in other areas of mathematics, such as number theory and algebraic geometry.

5. Can Galois Groups be used in other fields besides mathematics?

Yes, Galois Groups have found applications in other fields such as physics and computer science. In physics, they are used to study symmetries in quantum mechanics. In computer science, they are used in coding theory and cryptography.

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