Kronecker's theorem - Find a field with roots for X^4 + 1

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on applying Kronecker's theorem to find roots for the polynomial X^4 + 1 in the field extension \mathbb{Q}[\frac{(1+i)}{\sqrt{2}}]. It is established that since X^4 + 1 has real coefficients and \frac{(1+i)}{\sqrt{2}} is a root, its complex conjugate \frac{(1-i)}{\sqrt{2}} must also be a root. The discussion further clarifies that the field's properties ensure the inclusion of the conjugate root, thus allowing for the complete factorization of the polynomial.

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Homework Statement



Consider [itex]X^4 + 1[/itex] in the field [itex]\mathbb{Q} [X][/itex]. I used Kronecker's theorem to find a root for X^4 + 1 in the field extension [itex]\mathbb{Q} [\frac{(1+i)}{\sqrt{2}}][/itex]. I'm asked to show that this field extension allows X^4 + 1 to be factorised completely, thus adding a single root gives all roots.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have the answer, but it uses an assumption and I'm not sure how it got. It says:

"Since X^4 + 1 has real coefficients and has [itex]\frac{(1+i)}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex] as a root, the complex conjugate [itex]\frac{(1-i)}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex] must also be a root."

It then carries on as if it's known [itex]\frac{(1-i)}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex] is in the field extension to show that the other two roots (the negative of both those roots) are in the field extension. But how exactly do we know that the complex conjugate of the root [itex]\frac{(1+i)}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex] is also in the field extension?

Is it because this is a field and, letting [itex]\frac{(1+i)}{\sqrt{2}} = z[/itex];

[itex]z \frac{\overline{z}}{|z|^2} = 1[/itex]

so

[itex]\frac{\overline{z}}{|z|^2}[/itex]

Is the inverse of [itex]z[/itex], since this is a field it's inverse must be contained in the set, and so

[itex]|z|^2 \times \frac{\overline{z}}{|z|^2} = \overline{z}[/itex]

Is in the set? This would need to assume [itex]|z|^2[/itex] is contained in the field too.
 
Last edited:
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Set [itex]z = \frac{1+i}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex] and notice that [itex]|z| = 1[/itex], which means that [itex]z^{-1} = \overline{z}[/itex].
 

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