Galois Theory - Fixed Subfield of K by H ....

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a specific proposition in Galois Theory as presented in "Abstract Algebra: Structures and Applications" by Stephen Lovett. Participants are examining the notation used in Proposition 11.1.11, particularly the terms ##F## and ##U(F)##, and whether there may be a typographical error regarding the relationship between the fields ##F## and ##K##.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether ##F## is a typo and should be replaced with ##K##, suggesting that the proof remains valid with this substitution.
  • Another participant proposes that ##K## might be assumed to be a sub-field of a larger field ##F##, depending on earlier context in the book.
  • Several participants express uncertainty about the meaning of ##U(F)##, with some interpreting it as the multiplicative group of the field.
  • One participant recalls a situation where ##F \subseteq K## was the extension, indicating a potential mnemonic confusion regarding the notation.
  • Another participant agrees that ##U(K)## refers to the group of units of ##K## and expresses a shared belief that ##F## should indeed be ##K##.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is confusion regarding the notation and the definitions of ##F## and ##U(F)##, but no consensus is reached on whether ##F## is a typo or if it has a specific meaning in the context of the text.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in the clarity of notation used in the text, particularly regarding the definitions of fields and groups involved in the proposition. There is uncertainty about whether earlier sections of the book clarify the relationship between ##F## and ##K##.

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I am reading "Abstract Algebra: Structures and Applications" by Stephen Lovett ...

I am currently focused on Chapter 8: Galois Theory, Section 1: Automorphisms of Field Extensions ... ...

I need help with Proposition 11.1.11 on page 560 ... ...Proposition 11.1.11 reads as follows:
?temp_hash=b73d2c3295f7984285d98c67b26cdd93.png

In the above Proposition from Lovett we read the following:" ... ... Since ##\sigma## is a homomorphism ##U(F) \ \rightarrow \ U(F)## ... ... "My question is ... ... what is ##F## ... is it a typo ... should it be ##K ##...Hoping someone can help ... ...

PeterNOTE: ##U(F)## in Lovett means the group of units of the ring ##F## ...
 

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It looks like a typo to me. ##F## is first mentioned at the end of the second line, in ##(F,+)##. If we replace ##F## by ##K## the proof still works.

Is it possible that, in the context of the book, ##K## has been assumed to be a sub-field of some larger field ##F##? If so, and that has been stated in the preceding pages, then it wouldn't be a typo.

It's also not clear to me what ##U(F)## means, although from the context I'm guessing it's referring to the multiplicative group ##(F-\{0\},\times)## which, if we assume that ##F## really means ##K##, is ##(K-\{0\},\times)##.
 
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FWIW. I recall a situation, in which ##F \subseteq K## has been the extension. I remember it, as I confused both and finally built a mnemonic ##F =## fixed elements.
 
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fresh_42 said:
FWIW. I recall a situation, in which ##F \subseteq K## has been the extension. I remember it, as I confused both and finally built a mnemonic ##F =## fixed elements.

Hmm ... yes ... Lovett often uses K/F for a field extension ... but still ... seems to me that that doesn't resolve the problem of the exact nature of F ...

Do you think that Lovett meant K when he wrote F?

Peter
 
I have the same difficulties as @andrewkirk to understand what ##F## and ##U(F)## are. ##U(.)## could be units, the multiplicative group of a field, and ##F=K## which makes sense, if I didn't miss something. As the entire topic is about the correspondence between fields and automorhism groups, it might well be that a ##F## somehow found its way into the proof although it should have been ##K##.
 
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HI fresh_42 ...

The notation U(K) in Lovett is the group of units of K ...

Thanks ... I also think F should be K ... glad to have your agreement ...

Peter
 

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