Abstract-Irreducible plynomials over Q

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the irreducibility of the polynomial 8x^3 - 6x - 1 over the rational numbers Q. Participants explore various methods and theorems related to polynomial irreducibility.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss checking for rational roots using the Rational Roots Theorem and Eisenstein's criterion. There are inquiries about proving the polynomial has no roots in Q and the implications of Gauss' lemma.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their attempts to verify the absence of rational roots and referencing relevant propositions. Some guidance has been provided regarding the application of specific theorems, but no consensus has been reached on the final proof of irreducibility.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about how to apply theorems and criteria effectively, indicating a need for clarification on the steps involved in proving irreducibility over Z and Q.

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Homework Statement


Prove that the next polynomials are irreducible over Q:
B. 8x^3 -6x -1

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution




I'll be glad to receive some assistance

Thanks a lot!
 
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For B, does the polynomial have roots in Q? Use the fact that the polynomial is of degree 3 (if a polynomial of degree 2 or 3 has no roots in F then...)
 
How can I show the specific plynomial has no roots in Q?
And I can't understand how to continue the theorem you gave...
About the other parts-as you can see, I've managed to solve them...
I only need help in B...

Hope you'll be able to continue helping me...

Thanks a lot
 
The solution can be simple, if you covered Gauss' lemma (which states that if the polynomial is irreducible over the integers, then it's also irreducible over the rationals), or quite messy, if you have to prove directly.
 
I've learned thic specific lemma...I know that if a polynomial is irreducible over Z then it's also irreducible over Q...But how can I prove it's irreducible over Z?
 
WannaBe22 said:
And I can't understand how to continue the theorem you gave...

See: 4.2.7. Proposition in http://www.math.niu.edu/~beachy/aaol/polynomials.html

(the proof is pretty simple and involves simply factoring a polynomial of degree 2 or 3 and finding a root in F)
 
Ok...But how can I prove that this polynomia has no root over Q?
Is there no simple way involving Eisenstein's criterion or something?

TNX
 
WannaBe22 said:
Ok...But how can I prove that this polynomia has no root over Q?
Is there no simple way involving Eisenstein's criterion or something?

TNX

Use the Rational Roots Theorem.
 
Hmmmm So if k/l is a root of this polynomial then k|(-1) and l | 8
The possibilities are: k=1,-1 , l=+-1,+-2,+-4,+-8

Should I check for each one of the 16 possibilities that it isn't a root?

Thanks
 
  • #10
Well, I count 8 possibilities, but sure. It doesn't take long to run through them.
 
  • #11
Yep...8 possibilities-sry...
Well, let's see:
p(1)=1, p(-1)=-3, p(0.5)=-3, p(-0.5)=1, p(0.25)=-19/8, p(-0.25)=3/8,p(1/8)=-111/64
p(-1/8)=-17/64 ... So we have no rational roots to this polynomial and then it's irreducible :)
About the propisition: 4.2.7. Proposition. A polynomial of degree 2 or 3 is irreducible over the field F if and only if it has no roots in F.
If we take a polynomial of degree 2-it must be decomposite into two factors of degree 1 and each and every one of them is a root...When we take a polynomial of degree 3, it can only be reduced into 2-1 factors or 1-1-1 and we must have one factor that defines a root...

I'll be glad to receive some verification!

Thanks a lot to all of you!
 
  • #12
That's it. It isn't until you get to degree 4 where a polynomial can have two quadratic factors, neither of which have any roots over Q.
 
  • #13
Thanks a lot! You've all been very helpful!
 

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