Non-Transcendental Numbers Def. What if we allow √14 as a coefficicie?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of non-transcendental numbers and whether allowing radicals as coefficients in a polynomial will result in new non-transcendental numbers. It is noted that in some cases, adding radicals as coefficients does not result in new numbers. The question is posed whether this holds true for all cases, and if it is possible to turn a polynomial with radical coefficients into one with only rational coefficients. It is concluded that the roots of a polynomial with algebraic coefficients are algebraic, but the proof for this may not be as simple as taking powers to eliminate radicals.
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Swimmingly!
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Homework Statement


A non-transcendental number is one that's a root of a (non-constant) polynomial with rational coefficients.
Does allowing radicals as coefficients, eg: 5√3, 2^(1/3) get us any new different numbers?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


1. In some cases we get no new numbers, eg:
[itex]x^2+\sqrt[3]{3}=0\Leftrightarrow x^6=3[/itex]

[itex]x^2+x\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{2}=0\Leftrightarrow x^2+x\sqrt{3}=-\sqrt{2} \Rightarrow x^4+3x^2+2x^3\sqrt{3}=2 \Leftrightarrow x^4+3x^2-2=-2x^3\sqrt{3} \Rightarrow (x^4+3x^2-2)^2=4x^6 \times 3[/itex]

We solve this by isolating the radicalss and squaring/cubing/etc them. But with more coefficients it becomes harder. What about a 5th degree polynomials with only cubic radical coefficients?

So the question is:
-Do we get new non-trascendental numbers if we allow rational AND radicals as coefficients.
-Can we always turn a polynomial with radical coefficients into a one with rational coefficients?

PS: By radicals I mean just some number that's written with the nth-root symbol. Use whatever definition you feel fits best.
 
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No, you can get rid of all the (finite nr. of) radicals after a finite number of raising to a suitable natural power, so that the definition of algebraic numbers is exhaustive.
 
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dextercioby said:
No, you can get rid of all the (finite nr. of) radicals after a finite number of raising to a suitable natural power, so that the definition of algebraic numbers is exhaustive.
How exactly can you always just raise them to a suitable power without creating additional radicals to be solved?
 
  • #4


Swimmingly! said:
How exactly can you always just raise them to a suitable power without creating additional radicals to be solved?

You usually say 'algebraic' instead of non-transcendental. And no, allowing algebraic numbers as coefficients instead of integers will not give you any transcendental roots. The roots of an polynomial with algebraic coefficients are algebraic. I don't think the proof is as simple as arguing you can clear all the radicals by taking powers. I kind of doubt it's true. But the algebraic part is true nonetheless.
 
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1. What are non-transcendental numbers?

Non-transcendental numbers are numbers that are not algebraic or irrational. They cannot be expressed as a root of a polynomial equation with rational coefficients.

2. What are some examples of non-transcendental numbers?

Some examples of non-transcendental numbers include integers, fractions, and roots of non-perfect squares, such as √2 or √3. Rational numbers, such as 1/2 or 3/4, are also non-transcendental.

3. Why is √14 not considered a non-transcendental number?

√14 is not considered a non-transcendental number because it can be expressed as a root of a polynomial equation with rational coefficients. In this case, it can be written as √14 = √2 x √7, where √2 and √7 are both irrational but can be expressed as roots of polynomial equations.

4. What happens if we allow √14 as a coefficient in a polynomial equation?

If we allow √14 as a coefficient in a polynomial equation, it would still be considered an algebraic number, but it would no longer be considered a non-transcendental number. The resulting equation would have irrational coefficients, but it would still have a finite number of solutions.

5. Can non-transcendental numbers be used in practical applications?

Yes, non-transcendental numbers can be used in practical applications, such as in engineering or physics. For example, irrational numbers like √2 or π are often used in calculations, and their values are approximated to a certain degree of accuracy.

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