Proof about Constructibility of complex numbers

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proof of the constructibility of complex numbers, specifically showing that if \( e^{2 \pi i/p} \) is constructible for a prime \( p \), then \( p \) must be of the form \( 2^k + 1 \) for a positive integer \( k \). The participants reference the theorem that a real number is constructible if it is a root of a polynomial of degree that is a power of 2. The challenge lies in constructing the appropriate polynomials to demonstrate this relationship. Key insights include the necessity of establishing that \( \cos(2\pi/p) \) and \( \sin(2\pi/p) \) are constructible, leading to conclusions about the degree of the field extension \( Q(e^{2\pi i/p})/Q \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their representation in the form \( a + bi \)
  • Familiarity with field extensions and polynomial roots
  • Knowledge of constructible numbers and their properties
  • Basic understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically \( \cos \) and \( \sin \)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of constructible numbers in field theory
  • Learn about the relationship between polynomial degrees and constructibility
  • Explore the implications of the theorem regarding roots of polynomials not being powers of 2
  • Investigate the construction of polynomials for trigonometric functions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying abstract algebra, and anyone interested in the properties of constructible numbers and field extensions.

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Homework Statement



Show that if p is prime and [tex]e^{2 \pi i/p}[/tex] is constructable

then [tex]p=2^k+1[/tex] for a positive integer k

Homework Equations



[tex]e^{i \theta} = Cos \theta + iSin \theta[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



By definition, a complex number a+bi is constructible if a and b are constructible. Thus we know that

[tex]Cos(2 \pi /p) , Sin(2 \pi /p)[/tex] are constructible

I have tried finding a polynomial such that these are roots but I am having trouble here. We have a theorem that if a real number is a root of a polynomial of some degree that is not a power of 2, then the number is not constructible. I am trying to use this to show that p must be one more than a power of 2, but I'm not sure how to construct these polynomials. Any ideas? Thanks
 
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If you know that cos(2pi/p) and sin(2pi/p) are constructible, then you can conclude that the degree of the extension Q(cos(2pi/p),sin(2pi/p))/Q is a power of two (why?). What does this tell you about the degree of Q(e^{2pi i/p})/Q?
 

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