Is t Algebraic Over F(S) in Field Extension E/F?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the algebraic independence of a set $S$ within a field extension $E/F$ and the implications for an element $t \in E$. Participants explore whether $t$ can be shown to be algebraic over the field $F(S)$, given that $S$ is algebraically independent over $F$ and $S \cup \{t\}$ is also algebraically independent over $F$.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that since $S$ is algebraically independent over $F$, there exist distinct elements $s_1, \ldots, s_n \in S$ and a non-zero polynomial $f \in F[x_1, \ldots, x_n]$ such that $f(s_1, \ldots, s_n) \neq 0.
  • Others argue that the algebraic independence of $S \cup \{t\}$ implies the existence of a polynomial $g \in F[x_1, \ldots, x_n, y]$ such that $g(s_1, \ldots, s_n, t) = 0$, and they discuss the implications of this polynomial's structure.
  • Some participants question whether the existence of a non-zero polynomial $b_m \in F[x_1, \ldots, x_n]$ leads to the conclusion that $t$ is algebraic over $F(S)$.
  • A later reply suggests that the initial assumption of algebraic independence may have been misinterpreted, proposing that $S \cup \{t\}$ might actually be algebraically dependent over $F$.
  • There is a clarification regarding the definition of algebraic independence, emphasizing that for any finite subset of $S$, if a polynomial vanishes at those points, then the polynomial must be the zero polynomial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether $t$ can be conclusively shown to be algebraic over $F(S)$. There is no consensus on the implications of the algebraic independence of $S$ and $S \cup \{t\}$, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct interpretation of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight potential misunderstandings regarding the definitions of algebraic independence and dependence, indicating that the implications drawn from these definitions may not be straightforward. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the conditions under which $t$ can be considered algebraic over $F(S).

mathmari
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Hey! :o

We have field extension $E/F$. We have that $S\subseteq E$ is algebraically independent over $F$. Let $t\in E$, then $S\cup \{t\}$ is algebraically independent over $F$.
I want to show that $t$ is algebraic over $F(S)$. Since $S\subseteq E$ is algebraically independent over $F$ we have that there exist $s_1, \ldots s_n\in S$ (different from each other) and non-zero $f\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n]$ such that $f(s_1, \ldots , s_n)\neq 0$.

Since $S\cup \{t\}$ is algebraically independent over $F$ we have that there exist $s_1, \ldots s_n, t\in S\cup \{t\}$ (different from each other) and non-zero $g\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n, y]$ such that $g(s_1, \ldots , s_n, t)=0$.

To show that $t$ is algebraic over $F(S)$, we have to show that there exist $s_1, \ldots , s_n\in S$ and non-zero $h\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n]$ such that $t=h(s_1, \ldots , s_n)$.
But how exactly can we show the existence of such a polynomial? (Wondering)
 
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I tried now the following:

Since $S\cup \{t\}$ is algebraically independent over $F$ we have that there exist $s_1, \ldots s_n, t\in S\cup \{t\}$ (different from each other) and non-zero $g\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n, y]$ such that $g(s_1, \ldots , s_n, t)=0$.

We collect all the terms with the same powers of $y$ and then we can write the polynomial as follows:
$$g(x_1, \ldots , x_n, y)=b_0+b_1y+\ldots b_m y^m$$ where $b_i\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n]$.

Since $g$ is a non-zero polynomial we have that for exampe $b_m$ is non-zero. It cannot be that $b_0\neq 0$ and $b_i=0, i=1, \ldots , m$ because then we would have the polynomial $g(x_1, \ldots , x_n)$ such that $g(s_1, \ldots , s_n)=0$, and that contradicts to the fact that $S$ is algebraically independent over $F$, right? (Wondering) Form the definition that $S\subseteq E$ is algebraically independent over $F$ do we have that for every non-zeropolynomial $h\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n]$ there exist $s_1, \ldots s_n\in S$ (different from each other) such that $h(s_1, \ldots , s_n)\neq 0$ ? (Wondering) If yes, then it would hold for the non-zero polynomial $b_m\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n]$, so $b_m(s_1, \ldots , s_n)\neq 0$. Then we would have the following $$g(s_1, \ldots , s_n, t)=0 \Rightarrow b_0(s_1, \ldots , s_n)+b_1(s_1, \ldots , s_n)t+\ldots b_m(s_1, \ldots , s_n) t^m=0$$

Therefore, we have a non-zero polynomial, where $t$ is a root.

Do we conclude from that that $t$ is algebraic over $F(S)$? (Wondering)
 
I thought about it again...

Since $S\cup \{t\}$ is algebraically independent over $F$ we have that there exist $s_1, \ldots s_n\in S$ (different from each other) and a non-zero polynomial $g\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n, y]$ such that $g(s_1, \ldots , s_n, t)=0$.

We collect all the terms with the same powers of $y$ and then we can write the polynomial as follows:
$$g(x_1, \ldots , x_n, y)=b_0+b_1y+\ldots b_m y^m$$ where $b_i\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n]$.

It cannot be that $b_i=0, i=1, \ldots , m$ because then we would have the polynomial $g(x_1, \ldots , x_n)$ such that $g(s_1, \ldots , s_n)=0$, and that contradicts to the fact that $S$ is algebraically independent over $F$, right?

So, we have that $b_i\neq 0$, for at least one $i\in \{1, \ldots , m\}$.

Then $t$ is a root of a non-zero polynomial of $F(S)$.

Therefore, $t$ is algebraic over $F(S)$. Is everything correct? (Wondering)
 
mathmari said:
Hey! :o

We have field extension $E/F$. We have that $S\subseteq E$ is algebraically independent over $F$. Let $t\in E$, then $S\cup \{t\}$ is algebraically independent over $F$.

Do you mean that "Let $t\in E$, and $S\cup\{t\}$ be algebraically dependent over $F$?"

mathmari said:
Since $S\subseteq E$ is algebraically independent over $F$ we have that there exist $s_1, \ldots s_n\in S$ (different from each other) and non-zero $f\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n]$ such that $f(s_1, \ldots , s_n)\neq 0$.

What you infer is right but this is much weaker than what algeraic independence means.

mathmari said:
Since $S\cup \{t\}$ is algebraically independent over $F$ we have that there exist $s_1, \ldots s_n, t\in S\cup \{t\}$ (different from each other) and non-zero $g\in F[x_1, \ldots , x_n, y]$ such that $g(s_1, \ldots , s_n, t)=0$.

Again, it seems you want to say that $S\cup\{t\}$ is algebraically dependent over $F$.
 
caffeinemachine said:
Do you mean that "Let $t\in E$, and $S\cup\{t\}$ be algebraically dependent over $F$?"

Yes, you are right! (Blush)

Is my idea of #3 correct? (Wondering)
caffeinemachine said:
What you infer is right but this is much weaker than what algeraic independence means.

What do you mean? (Wondering)
 
mathmari said:
Is my idea of #3 correct? (Wondering)

You are certainly on the right track. But thee again, you seem to have typos. You write "algebraically independent" when your intention seems to be "algebraically dependent".

mathmari said:
What do you mean? (Wondering)

Here is what I mean. Given an extension $E:F$, and a subset $S$ of $E$, we say that $S$ is algebraically independent over $F$ to mean the following: For any finite subset $\{s_1, \ldots, s_n\}$ of $S$, and any polynomial $f(x_1, \ldots, x_n)$ over $F$, if $f(s_1, \ldots, s_n)=0$, then $f=0$.
 

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