Suppose that c is transcendental over \mathbb{Q}. Show that \sqrt{c}\ \text{and}\ c+\sqrt{

Hazel Barnes

Hazel Barnes

Answered question

2022-02-12

Suppose that c is transcendental over Q. Show that c and c+c are also transcendental.
My solution (a bit rough):
(a) A polynomial that c satisfies is x2c. However, since c is not algebraic over Q, c is not in Q, xc would be a polynomial that c satisfies in the rationals. So x2c is not in Q|x| and so c is not algebraic over Q (not sure about that statement... why could there not be another polynomial that is satisfies, is it because it is the minimal polynomial?).
(b) A polynomial that c+c satisfies is p(x)=x3cx2cx=2c. For reasons mentioned above, this is not in Q[x] either, so c is not algebraic over Q. (Also because it is the minimal polynomial and the minimal polynomial must divide everything that c satisfies? Really not sure about how to finish up here).

Answer & Explanation

Nathen Lamb

Nathen Lamb

Beginner2022-02-13Added 13 answers

a) Let fQ[x]. Then f(c)=a(c)+b(c)c with a(c),b(c)Q[c]. If f(c)=0 and f0 it follows that a(c) and b(c) are not both zero, and a2(c)=b2(c)c. But the last relation is not possible for degree reasons.
(b) Try a similar approach.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?