Using field axioms to prove a set is not a field

  • Thread starter Thread starter notnottrue
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Axioms Field Set
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the set F = {a + b√[3]{2}: a, b ∈ Q} and requires demonstrating that this set is not a field by using field axioms. The focus is on the properties of irrational numbers and their implications for field structure.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the axioms of a field and the elements of the set F, particularly questioning the existence of multiplicative inverses for elements involving √[3]{2}.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest that the hint about the inverse of √[3]{2} under multiplication is crucial to the argument. There is an exploration of whether elements like √[3]{2} can have inverses within the set F, with some indicating that the lack of such inverses implies F is not a field.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of √[3]{2} being irrational and how this affects the ability to find inverses in the context of field axioms. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the completeness of the reasoning presented.

notnottrue
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Let F = {a + b[itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex]:a,b[itex]\in[/itex]Q}.
Using the fact that [itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex] is irrational, show that F is not a field.

[Hint: What is the inverse of [itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex] under multiplication?]


Homework Equations



For a field,
For all c [itex]\in[/itex] F, there exists c-1 [itex]\in[/itex] F s.t. c*c-1 =1

The Attempt at a Solution



I am unsure how to relate the axioms to the set. Is c = (a +b[itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex])?
Or show there is no b[itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex]*b-1[itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex]=1?
Or b[itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex]*(b[itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex])-1=1?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There are lots of ways to go about it, but if you're going to follow the hint, it specifically suggests showing that [itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex] is an element that doesn't have an inverse.
 
[itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex][itex]\in[/itex]F with a=0 and b=1
So there must be c such that c*[itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex]=1
c=1/[itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex][itex]\notin[/itex]Q
Since [itex]\sqrt[3]{2}[/itex][itex]\in[/itex]F, F must not be a field because it has no inverse under multiplication.
Is this sound?
 
Last edited:
Bumb
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
5K