# Examples of normal and non-normal extensions of Q?

1. Nov 27, 2011

### ae1709

Hi, I'm really struggling to find examples (with proofs) of the following:

1) For each n>2 give an example of a non-normal extension of Q of degree n.

2) Give examples of normal extensions of Q of degrees 3,4 and 5.

3) Show that for any positive integer n, there exists a normal extension of Q of degree n.

Any help would be much appreciated!

2. Nov 27, 2011

### micromass

So an extension $\mathbb{Q}\subseteq K$ is normal if for all $\alpha\in K$ the minimal polynomial of $\alpha$ splits in K. Or equivalently if K is the splitting field of a polynomial in $\mathbb{Q}$.

So, can you adjoin a number $\alpha$ to $\mathbb{Q}$ such that the minimal polynomial doesn't split?? This answers (a).

3. Nov 27, 2011

### Deveno

for 2) remember that the algebraic closure of Q is not a subfield of R, so you need to look for some complex numbers that make this happen. i suggest looking on the unit circle, perhaps?

4. Nov 27, 2011

### riskos

But adjoining one number will surely not give you an extension of degree n as required in the question?

5. Nov 27, 2011

### micromass

It might, for example, adjoining $\sqrt[3]{2}$ gives you a nonnormal extension of degree 3.