Can [F: F ∩ E] Differ from 2 in Quadratic Field Extensions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of field extensions, specifically examining the relationship between the degrees of field extensions in the context of quadratic extensions and the intersection of fields. Participants explore how to provide a non-example where the degree of the extension [F: F ∩ E] does not equal 2.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to construct a non-example to show that [F: F ∩ E] might not equal 2 in a quadratic extension context.
  • Another participant provides an example using Galois theory, specifically referencing the splitting field of the polynomial x^3 - 2 over the rational numbers, and describes the relationships between the fields and their degrees.
  • The second participant notes that in their example, the degree [F: F ∩ E] equals 3, which does not equal 2, thus addressing the original question.
  • A later reply acknowledges a typographical error in the previous post regarding the notation used for degrees but suggests that the meaning was clear despite the mistake.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of the example provided, as the discussion primarily focuses on the construction of a non-example rather than resolving the broader question of field extension properties.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to Galois theory and the structure of field extensions, which may depend on specific definitions and assumptions related to the fields involved. The example provided relies on the properties of the symmetric group and its subgroups, which may not be universally applicable without further context.

minibear
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if K/E is a quadratic extension and field F is contained in K
such that FE=K and [K:F] is finite,
how do I give a non-example to show
[F: F intersects E] might not be 2?

Thanks a lot!
 
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Very EASY!
Do you have Galios theory in your hands?

Well consider [tex]K[/tex] the splitting field of [tex]x^3 - 2[/tex] over [tex]\mathbb Q[/tex].

By Galois theory you should know the lattice of inter-fields between [tex]Q[/tex] and
[tex]K[/tex] is isomorphic to the lattice subgroup of the group [tex]\mathbb S_3[/tex]
of the permutations on 3 elements.

Now this lattice as a unique subgroup on 3 elements and 3 distinct subgroups of 2 elements. Choose two distinct of these and call them [tex]G_1, G_2[/tex].
Let's call [tex]e[/tex] the trivial subgroup (just one element: the identity permutation).

Call [tex]\prime[/tex] the Galois corrispondence and you have the fields

[tex]K = e \prime[/tex]
[tex]E = G_1 \prime[/tex]
[tex]F = G_2\prime[/tex]
and [tex]E \cap F = (G_1\cdot G_2)\prime = \mathbb S_3\prime = \mathbb Q[/tex].

You have [tex][K:E] = [G_1:e] = 2[/tex] and [tex]K/E[/tex] is a quadratic extension
You have [tex][K:F] = [G_2:e] = 2[/tex] and [tex]K/F[/tex] is a finite extension
You have [tex]F\cdot E = (G_2 \cap G_3)\prime = e\prime = K[/tex]
You have [tex][F:E\capF] = [\mathbb S_3:G_2] = 3 \not = 2[/tex].
 
Thank you so much!
 
You are WELCOME!

Well I also noticed I made a 'print' mistake...

in the last row

I wrote [tex][F:E][/tex] instead of
[tex][F: F \cap E][/tex]

but I guess you noticed the mistake and you got the right meaning.

See you next time!
 

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