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Field Extension Notes

The document discusses field extensions in abstract algebra, defining key concepts such as extension fields, degree of extension, minimal polynomials, and algebraic extensions. It includes examples illustrating these concepts and introduces the Tower Law and splitting fields. Additionally, it provides exercises with solutions related to the degree of extensions and minimal polynomials.

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5 views2 pages

Field Extension Notes

The document discusses field extensions in abstract algebra, defining key concepts such as extension fields, degree of extension, minimal polynomials, and algebraic extensions. It includes examples illustrating these concepts and introduces the Tower Law and splitting fields. Additionally, it provides exercises with solutions related to the degree of extensions and minimal polynomials.

Uploaded by

binu01234
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Abstract Algebra Notes: Field Extensions

Extension Fields

A field extension E/F means E is a field containing F as a subfield.

Examples: Q(sqrt(2)), R(i), etc.

Degree of Extension

Defined as the dimension of E as a vector space over F.

[E : F] = n if there are n basis elements of E over F.

Minimal Polynomial

Given alpha in E algebraic over F, the minimal polynomial is the monic polynomial of lowest degree in F[x]

with alpha as root.

Finite Extensions Are Algebraic

If E/F is a finite extension, then every element of E is algebraic over F.

Proof: Use linear dependence of powers of alpha.

Tower Law

If F subset of K subset of E, then [E:F] = [E:K][K:F]. This is proven by vector space basis argument.
Abstract Algebra Notes: Field Extensions

Examples

1. Q(sqrt(2)) has degree 2 over Q.

2. Q(sqrt(2), sqrt(3)) has degree 4 over Q.

3. R(i) = C, is a degree 2 extension.

Splitting Fields

A splitting field of a polynomial f(x) over F is the smallest extension field in which f(x) splits into linear factors.

Example: For f(x) = x^2 - 2, the splitting field over Q is Q(sqrt(2)).

For f(x) = x^2 + 1 over R, the splitting field is C = R(i).

Algebraic Extensions

An extension E/F is algebraic if every element of E is algebraic over F.

Every finite extension is algebraic.

Exercises with Solutions

1. Degree of Q(sqrt(5), sqrt(3)) over Q is 4.

2. Minimal polynomial of sqrt(2) over Q is x^2 - 2.

3. x in F_2(x) is transcendental over F_2.

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