Formal Derivative and Multiple Roots

To show that β-β^2 is a primitive root, you can use the fact that it is a root of the polynomial x^2 - βx + β^2, which is irreducible over F7 (since β is a root of x^3 - 2, which is irreducible). Then, you can show that this polynomial has no repeated roots, so β-β^2 is a primitive root in F.
  • #1
JonoPUH
11
0
Primitive roots of 1 over a finite field

Homework Statement



The polynomial x3 − 2 has no roots in F7 and is therefore irreducible in F7[x]. Adjoin a root β to make the field F := F7(β), which will be of degree 3 over F7 and therefore of size 343. The
multiplicative group F× is of order 2 × 9 × 19. Show:
(1) that −1 is a primitive square root of 1 in F;
(2) that β is a primitive 9th root of 1 in F;
(3) that −1 + β is a primitive 19th root of 1 in F;
(4) and then that β − β2 is a primitive root in F, that is, a generator of the multiplicative group F×.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am totally confused about how to even start this proof. Any help would be greatly appreciated please!
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
β3-2=0
or, equivalent, β3+5=0
You can add and multiply polynomials with β as usual, just consider everything mod 7, and use that equation to keep the degree of your polynomials smaller than 3.

Therefore, -1 = 6 (as 6+1=0), and 6*6=...
You can calculate β, β^2 (well, nothing to do for those), β^3, β^4, ... and show that it is a primitive 9th root in that way.
(3) would be possible like that, too, but there might be a more elegant way.
 

FAQ: Formal Derivative and Multiple Roots

What is a formal derivative?

A formal derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of a polynomial function. It is calculated by finding the coefficient of the term with the highest degree and multiplying it by the degree itself.

How is a formal derivative different from a regular derivative?

A formal derivative is a purely algebraic concept and does not involve taking a limit, as in the case of a regular derivative. It is used to manipulate polynomials and find their roots, while a regular derivative is used to find the slope of a curve at a specific point.

What is the significance of multiple roots in a polynomial function?

Multiple roots in a polynomial function indicate that the function has repeated factors. This can have implications on the behavior of the function, such as the number of times it crosses the x-axis, the maximum and minimum values, and the number of turning points.

How are multiple roots identified in a formal derivative?

In a formal derivative, multiple roots are identified by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the polynomial and its formal derivative. If the GCD is a polynomial with a degree greater than 1, then the polynomial has multiple roots.

Can a polynomial have multiple roots and still be a valid function?

Yes, a polynomial can have multiple roots and still be a valid function. However, the graph of the polynomial may behave differently at these roots, and it is important to consider them when analyzing the behavior of the function. In some cases, multiple roots may also indicate that the polynomial can be factored into simpler forms.

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