How can we prove that E/Q is a normal extension?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter mathmari
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Normal
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the extension $E=\mathbb{Q}(a)$, where $a$ is a root of the polynomial $x^3-3x-1$, is a normal extension over $\mathbb{Q}$. The user outlines the process of finding the minimal irreducible polynomial of an element $b \in E$ and determining if all roots of the polynomial are contained in $E$. The polynomial $x^3-3x-1$ is factored using the Euclidean algorithm, leading to the quadratic $x^2+ax+(a^2-3)$, whose roots must also be shown to lie in $E$ to establish normality.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of field extensions and normal extensions in algebra.
  • Familiarity with irreducible polynomials and their roots.
  • Knowledge of the Euclidean algorithm for polynomial factorization.
  • Basic concepts of algebraic numbers and their properties.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of normal extensions in field theory.
  • Learn about splitting fields and their significance in algebra.
  • Explore the relationship between roots of polynomials and field extensions.
  • Investigate methods for solving systems of equations involving algebraic numbers.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, particularly those specializing in algebra and field theory, as well as students studying advanced algebraic concepts related to extensions and polynomial roots.

mathmari
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
4,984
Reaction score
7
Hey! :o

We have that $E=\mathbb{Q}(a)$, where $a\in \mathbb{C}$ is a root of the irreducible polynomial $x^3-3x-1\in \mathbb{Q}[x]$.

I want to show that $E/\mathbb{Q}$ is normal.
I have done the following:

Let $b\in E$.

A basis of the extension is $1, a, a^2$. So, $b$ can be written as $$b=q_0+q_1a+q_2a^2$$

We have to find the minimal irreducible polynomial of $b$ over $\mathbb{Q}$ and compute the other roots to check if they are in $E$, or not?

Since $[E:\mathbb{Q}]=3$, we have that $\deg m(b,\mathbb{Q})\leq 3$.

So, the general form of that polynomial is $Ax^3+Bx^2+Cx+D$.

So, do we have to replace $x$ with $b=q_0+q_1a+q_2a^2$, compute that polynomial, knowing that $a^3=3a+1$, and find the other roots? (Wondering)

Or is there an other way to show that? (Wondering)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
We have that $E/\mathbb{Q}$ is normal iff $E$ is a splitting field for some polynomial in $\mathbb{Q}[x]$.

We have that one root of $x^3-3x-1$ is $a$. Using the euclidean algorithm we have that $x^3-3x-1=(x-a)(x^2+ax+(a^2-3))$.

The roots of the polynomial $x^2+ax+(a^2-3)$ are $x=\frac{-a+\sqrt{12-3a^2}}{2}, \ \ x=\frac{-a-\sqrt{12-3a^2}}{2}$.

To show that $E$ is a splitting field for $x^3-3x-1$, we have to show that all the roots of that polynomial are in $E$, or not? (Wondering)

We have that $a\in E$. But does it hold that $\sqrt{12-3a^2}\in E$ ? (Wondering)
I tried to check if there are $q_0, q_1, q_2\in \mathbb{Q}$ such that $q_0+q_1a+q_2a^2=\sqrt{12-3a^2}$, but then we get the system:
$\left\{\begin{align}q_0^2 +2q_1q_2 &= 12\\q_2^2 + 2q_0q_1 + 6q_1q_2 &= 0\\q_1^2 + 2q_0q_2 + 3q_2^2 &= -3\end{align}\right.$.
Can we solve it? (Wondering)
 

Similar threads

Replies
48
Views
5K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K