Given min. polynomial of a, find min. polynomial of 1/a

  • Thread starter ryou00730
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In summary, the conversation is about finding the minimal polynomial for 1/a over Q given that the minimal polynomial of a over rationals is x^4+x+8. The person is unsure how to approach this problem and is wondering if there are any methods for finding the minimal polynomial for negative powers of a. It is suggested to multiply the given minimal polynomial by 1/a multiple times to find the minimal polynomial for 1/a.
  • #1
ryou00730
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Homework Statement


Given that the minimal polynomial of a over rationals is x^4+x+8, find the minimal polynomial for 1/a over Q.


Homework Equations


I know there is a lot of work done out there for finding the min. polynomials of a^k for k>0, however I've never seen anything with a^k for k<0. I have no intuition where to start with this problem, just wondering if there are methods out there.
 
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  • #2
You know that

[tex]a^4+a+8=0[/tex]

An obvious thing to do is to multiply both sides by [itex]\frac{1}{a}[/itex] multiple times.
 
  • #3
Yea I realized this soon after posting, thanks for the help anyway.
 

FAQ: Given min. polynomial of a, find min. polynomial of 1/a

What is the definition of a minimum polynomial?

A minimum polynomial is the smallest degree polynomial that has a given number or variable as a root.

How do you find the minimum polynomial of a given number or variable?

To find the minimum polynomial of a given number or variable, you must first factor the number or variable and then find the polynomial with the smallest degree that has those factors as roots.

What is the relationship between the minimum polynomial of a and the minimum polynomial of 1/a?

The minimum polynomial of 1/a is the reciprocal of the minimum polynomial of a. This means that if a polynomial is a minimum polynomial of a, then its reciprocal will be the minimum polynomial of 1/a.

Can the minimum polynomial of 1/a be found using the minimum polynomial of a?

Yes, the minimum polynomial of 1/a can be found using the minimum polynomial of a. This is because the minimum polynomial of 1/a is the reciprocal of the minimum polynomial of a, so it can be obtained by taking the reciprocal of the coefficients of the minimum polynomial of a.

Why is it important to find the minimum polynomial of a given number or variable?

Finding the minimum polynomial of a given number or variable is important because it helps simplify and understand the behavior of the number or variable in mathematical equations. It also provides a way to represent the number or variable in its simplest form, which can be useful in solving problems and making calculations.

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