MHB How Can I Derive a Contradiction from This Mathematical Statement?

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To derive a contradiction from the statement $\sqrt{5} = a + b\sqrt[4]{2} + c\sqrt[4]{4} + d\sqrt[4]{8}$, one approach is to manipulate the equation by multiplying through by the least common multiple of the denominators of the coefficients, resulting in an equation with integer coefficients. By substituting $x = \sqrt[4]{2}$, the equation can be reformulated to express $\sqrt{5}$ in terms of a polynomial in $x$, where $x$ is not rational. Squaring both sides leads to a new equation that implies a contradiction, as it suggests a polynomial with integer coefficients has a root that is not in $\mathbb{Q}$. This contradiction supports the irreducibility of the polynomial $x^4 - 2$ over $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{5})$.
kalish1
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How can I derive a contradiction from the following nasty statement:

Assume $\sqrt{5} = a + b\sqrt[4]{2} + c\sqrt[4]{4} + d\sqrt[4]{8},$ with $a,b,c,d \in \mathbb{Q}$?

*This is the last piece of an effort to prove that the polynomial $x^4-2$ is irreducible over $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{5}).$*
 
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kalish said:
How can I derive a contradiction from the following nasty statement:

Assume $\sqrt{5} = a + b\sqrt[4]{2} + c\sqrt[4]{4} + d\sqrt[4]{8},$ with $a,b,c,d \in \mathbb{Q}$?

*This is the last piece of an effort to prove that the polynomial $x^4-2$ is irreducible over $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{5}).$*

Since no one has replied I'll give it a crack (at the risk of leading you astray).

Let's multiply your equation through by the least common multiple of the denominators of a,b,c and d. I'll call that number e. Then we have:

$e \sqrt{5} = a' + b'\sqrt[4]{2} + c'\sqrt[4]{4} + d'\sqrt[4]{8},$ with $a',b',c',d',e \in \mathbb{Z}$

Let's define $x=\sqrt[4]{2}$

so:
$e \sqrt{5} = a' + b'x + c'x^2 + d'x^3,$ with $a',b',c',d',e \in \mathbb{Z}$

squaring both sides and defining a",b",c",d",e" appropriately:
$5e''= a''+ b''x + c''x^2 + d''x^3,$ with $a'',b'',c'',d'',e'' \in \mathbb{Z}$

or
$a'''+ b''x + c''x^2 + d''x^3=0$, with $a''',b'',c'',d'' \in \mathbb{Z}$ and $x \not\in \mathbb{Q}$

It seems to me it must be possible to disprove this last statement. But I can't see how.
 
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