Quadratic Polynomials and Irreducibles and Primes

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proof of Theorem 1.2.2 from "Introductory Algebraic Number Theory" by Saban Alaca and Kenneth S. Williams, specifically regarding the factorization of quadratic polynomials in integral domains. The key argument presented is that if the roots of the polynomial \( f(X) \) are expressed as \( -d^{-1}t \) and \( -ds/p \), and if \( -d^{-1}t \) is in \( D \) while neither \( a/p \) nor \( b/p \) is in \( D \), then a contradiction arises, leading to the conclusion that \( f(X) \) cannot factor into linear factors in \( D[X] \). This highlights the importance of the relationship between the roots and the domain in which the polynomial is defined.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral domains in algebra
  • Familiarity with polynomial factorization
  • Knowledge of the concepts of roots and fields in algebra
  • Basic comprehension of the notation used in algebraic number theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of integral domains and their implications on polynomial factorization
  • Explore the concept of irreducibility in polynomials over different fields
  • Learn about the relationship between roots and coefficients in polynomial equations
  • Investigate the differences between \( D[X] \) and \( F[X] \) in the context of algebraic structures
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in algebra, particularly those studying algebraic number theory, polynomial factorization, and integral domains. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of quadratic polynomials and their properties in algebraic structures.

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I am reading "Introductory Algebraic Number Theory"by Saban Alaca and Kenneth S. Williams ... and am currently focused on Chapter 1: Integral Domains ...

I need some help with the proof of Theorem 1.2.2 ...

Theorem 1.2.2 reads as follows:
View attachment 6514
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In the above text from Alaca and Williams, we read the following:

"... ... Then the roots of $$f(X)$$ in $$F$$ are $$-ds/p$$ and $$-d^{-1} t $$. But $$d^{-1} t \in D$$ while neither $$a/p$$ nor $$b/p$$ is in $$D$$. Thus no such factorization exists. ... I am unsure of how this argument leads top the conclusion that $$f(X)$$ does not factor into linear factors in $$D[X]$$ ... in other words how does the argument that "" ... $$d^{-1} t \in D$$ while neither $$a/p$$ nor $$b/p$$ is in $$D$$ ... "lead to the conclusion that no such factorization exists. ...

Indeed ... in particular ... how does the statement "neither $$a/p$$ nor $$b/p$$ is in $$D$$" have meaning in the assumed factorization $$f(X) = (cX + s) ( dX + t )$$ ... ... ? ... What is the exact point being made about the assumed factorization ... ?I am also a little unsure of what is going on when Alaca and Williams change or swap between $$D[X]$$ and $$F[x]$$ ...Can someone help with an explanation ...

Help will be appreciated ...

Peter
 
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Hi Peter,

The contradiction here is that $-d^{-1}t$ is in $D$ and also not in $D$. As $d, t\in D$, $-d^{-1}t\in D$. On the other hand, $-d^{-1}t$ is one of the roots of $f$ in $F[X]$, namely $a/p$ or $b/p$; since neither $a/p$ nor $b/p$ is in $D$, $-d^{-1}t$ is not in $D$.
 
Euge said:
Hi Peter,

The contradiction here is that $-d^{-1}t$ is in $D$ and also not in $D$. As $d, t\in D$, $-d^{-1}t\in D$. On the other hand, $-d^{-1}t$ is one of the roots of $f$ in $F[X]$, namely $a/p$ or $b/p$; since neither $a/p$ nor $b/p$ is in $D$, $-d^{-1}t$ is not in $D$.
Thanks Euge ... that is clear now ...

Appreciate your help ...

Peter
 

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