How to prove the field extension is algebraically closed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions under which a field extension E of a field F is considered algebraically closed, specifically addressing the claim that if every polynomial in F[x] has a root in E, then every polynomial in E[x] also has a root in E. The conversation explores the nuances of this claim, particularly in relation to algebraic extensions and the existence of proofs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that if every polynomial in F[x] has a root in E, then E is algebraically closed, but this claim is challenged as being false without additional conditions.
  • One participant provides a counterexample using the field of rational functions ℂ(t) to illustrate that the initial claim does not hold in general.
  • Another participant notes that the claim can be true if it is specified that E/F is an algebraic extension and seeks proof of this modified assertion.
  • Links to resources containing proofs are shared, including a theorem from a paper and detailed algebra notes.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of separability in proving the result, with some expressing doubt about the possibility of proving it without invoking the notion of perfect fields.
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the nature of the original question and expresses gratitude for the clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the validity of the initial claim without additional conditions. There is a consensus that the claim can be true under the condition that E/F is an algebraic extension, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of separability and the role of perfect fields in the proof.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of the original claim, emphasizing the need for specific conditions to establish the algebraic closure of field extensions. There are unresolved questions about the role of separability in the proofs discussed.

lugita15
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Suppose that E is a field extension of F, and every polynomial f(x) in F[x] has a root in E. Then E is algebraically closed, i.e. every polynomial f(x) in E[x] has a root in E.

I've been told that this result is really difficult to prove, but it seems really intuitive so I find that surprising. Where can I find a proof of this result?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You in Advance.
 
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lugita15 said:
Suppose that E is a field extension of F, and every polynomial f(x) in F[x] has a root in E. Then E is algebraically closed, i.e. every polynomial f(x) in E[x] has a root in E.

I've been told that this result is really difficult to prove, but it seems really intuitive so I find that surprising. Where can I find a proof of this result?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You in Advance.



No wonder you've been told that: it is false. Let [itex]E:= ℂ(t)[/itex] be the field of rational functions on the (transcendental) variable t. Then E is a field extension of [itex]ℂ[/itex] in which every pol. of [itex]ℂ[x][/itex] has a root, but E certainly is not alg. closed as, for example, the pol. [itex]x^2-t\in ℂ(t)[x][/itex] has no root in it...

Now, the claim is true if one adds the condition that E/F is an algebraic extension.

DonAntonio
 
DonAntonio said:
Now, the claim is true if one adds the condition that E/F is an algebraic extension.
OK, so adding that condition where can I find the proof of the result?
 
lugita15 said:
OK, so adding that condition where can I find the proof of the result?



It's theorem 2 in http://www.math.uconn.edu/~kconrad/blurbs/galoistheory/algclosure.pdf

The proof isn't THAT easy but it isn't THAT hard, either.

Enjoy, and for this read the whole paper. The first part is just the well-known and "standard" proof by Artin.

DonAntonio
 
my free algebra notes 844.I.1, do this in detail, in the first 12 pages.

http://www.math.uga.edu/%7Eroy/844-1.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
mathwonk said:
my free algebra notes 844.I.1, do this in detail, in the first 12 pages.

http://www.math.uga.edu/%7Eroy/844-1.pdf



The question wasn't about the existence of alg. closures of fields, which Artin's proof, that also appears in your notes, does, but the fact that after the first construction of an extension E/F s.t. every non-constant pol. in E[x] has a root we can ALREADY stop there since F is alg. closed. I couldn't find this point in your notes, though perhaps I oversaw it.

DonAntonio
 
Last edited by a moderator:
oops, my mistake, thank you.
 
DonAntonio said:
It's theorem 2 in http://www.math.uconn.edu/~kconrad/blurbs/galoistheory/algclosure.pdf

The proof isn't THAT easy but it isn't THAT hard, either.

Enjoy, and for this read the whole paper. The first part is just the well-known and "standard" proof by Artin.
Is it possible to prove the result without invoking the notion of perfect fields?
 
lugita15 said:
Is it possible to prove the result without invoking the notion of perfect fields?



I doubt it since the trick focuses on extensions K/F which can be put in the form [itex]K=F(\alpha)[/itex] , for some [itex]\alpha\in K[/itex] , and one

achieves this using separability, but also: why? Separability shouldn't, imo, be a problem for someone trying to tackle what you're trying...

DonAntonio
 

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