What is the Degree of a Splitting Field for a Polynomial over a Field?

In summary, we discussed the definition of a splitting field L of a polynomial f over a field K, and showed that if the degree of f is d, then there exists a splitting field over K of degree dividing d!. We also considered the case where f is irreducible and concluded that it can also be proven by induction.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Let f in K[x] be a polynomial over a field K. De fine the notion of a splitting field
L of f over K. Show that if deg f = d, then f has a splitting fi eld over K of degree
dividing d!

The Attempt at a Solution


If f is reducible, then this seems true by induction. I'm not sure about the case where f is irreducible over K though.

Thanks for your help.
 
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  • #2
For anyone keeping score at home, I think the irreducible case is also by induction. Consider an intermediate field made by adjoining a root r of f to K, and then consider L as a splitting field over K(r) of g(x) (where f(x) = (x - r)g(x).)
 
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Related to What is the Degree of a Splitting Field for a Polynomial over a Field?

What is the degree of a splitting field?

The degree of a splitting field is the degree of its minimal polynomial. This means it is the minimal degree of an extension field that contains all the roots of the polynomial.

Why is the degree of a splitting field important?

The degree of a splitting field is important because it determines the complexity of the field and its associated Galois group. It is also essential in determining the degree of an extension field and its properties.

How is the degree of a splitting field calculated?

The degree of a splitting field can be calculated using the formula deg(F(x)/k) = [F(x):k], where F(x) is the splitting field and k is the base field. This formula represents the degree of the field extension.

What is the relationship between the degree of a polynomial and the degree of its splitting field?

The degree of a polynomial is closely related to the degree of its splitting field. The degree of a polynomial is equal to the degree of its splitting field if and only if the polynomial is irreducible over the base field.

Are there any limitations to the degree of a splitting field?

Yes, there are limitations to the degree of a splitting field. The degree of a splitting field cannot be greater than the degree of the polynomial itself. This is because the splitting field must contain all the roots of the polynomial, which cannot exceed the degree of the polynomial.

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