Cyclotomic polynomials and primitive roots of unity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the minimal polynomial of the combined primitive roots of unity, specifically exploring the relationship between cyclotomic polynomials and the fields generated by these roots. The scope includes theoretical aspects of algebra and number theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the minimal polynomial of the combined primitive roots of unity, denoted as (w_{n}, w_{m}).
  • Another participant questions whether the inquiry pertains to the minimal polynomial of a product of two roots of unity or the field they generate together.
  • A participant clarifies their interest in the minimal polynomial of the field generated by the two roots of unity.
  • One participant suggests trying an example with specific primitive roots of unity to explore the relationship and properties of the generated fields.
  • Another participant notes that there is no singular "minimal polynomial of a field" and emphasizes the need to choose a generating element, proposing that a primitive root of unity of order equal to the least common multiple of the two orders could be chosen.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the minimal polynomial in relation to fields generated by primitive roots of unity, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the fields being considered, particularly whether they are over the rationals, and the implications of irreducibility of cyclotomic polynomials. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity on generating elements when discussing minimal polynomials.

xuying1209
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w_{n} is primitive root of unity of order n, w_{m} is primitive root of unity of order m,
all primitve roots of unity of order n are roots of Cyclotomic polynomials
phi_{n}(x) which is a minimal polynomial of all primitive roots of unity of order n ,
similarly, phi_{m}(y) is a minimal polynomial of all primitive roots of unity of order m ,
then, what is the minimal polynomial of (W_{n},w_{m}), if exists or no?

Thank you very much! what book I can find some subject about primitve roots of unity.:wink:
 
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are you asking for the minimal polynomial of a product of two roots of 1?

or of the field they generate together?

and I presume you are working over the rationals Q, since yiou assume the cyclotomic polynomials are irreducible.i like van der waerden's old modern algebra, for a basic introduction. probably Gauss's disquisitiones is one of the best sources, but most number theoiry and abstract algebra books will say something, like hungerford, dummit - foote, michael artin, jacobson.
 
I want to know the minimal polynomial of the field they generate together?

Thank you !:wink:
 
have you tried an example? for instance suppose z is a primitive complex 6th root of unity and w is a primitive complex 15th root of unity. then together they belong to the group of let's see 30th roots of unity. If you take say z^3, you get hmmmm -1 i suppose. anyway, it looks as if -w is a primitive 30th root of unity. is that right? then -w^5 sems like a primitive 6 th root of unity, and w a primitive 15th root.

so it seems that together they generate the same field as w does alone.try another one, like 18th root and 12th root. what happens?
 
by the way there is no such thing as"the minimal polynomial of a field", you need to choose a generating element first, but here you can always choose it to be another primitive root of unity, perhaps of roder the lcm of the two orders you start with?
 

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