Which Coefficient Ring Makes f=x^2+1 Irreducible?

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In summary, irreducibility in a ring means that the polynomial is not a unit and if f=ab then a|f and b|f. In this case $p(x)$ is irreducible in $\mathbb{Z}$, $\mathbb{R}$, and $\mathbb{C}$ but not in $\mathbb{Z}\ \text{mod}\ 2$.
  • #1
Poirot1
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Consider the polynomial f=x^2+1. Regarded as a polynomial over which of the following coefficient rings is this polynomial irreducible?

(i) Z, (ii) R, (iii) C, (iv) Z mod 2. Give Reasons for your answer.

To be irreducible means (i) not a unit and (ii) if f=ab then a|f and b|f. As to the first, I don't think f is a unit in any of these.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Poirot said:
Consider the polynomial f=x^2+1. Regarded as a polynomial over which of the following coefficient rings is this polynomial irreducible?

(i) Z, (ii) R, (iii) C, (iv) Z mod 2. Give Reasons for your answer.

To be irreducible means (i) not a unit and (ii) if f=ab then a|f and b|f. As to the first, I don't think f is a unit in any of these.

Thanks

I don't think the way you have defined an irreducible polynomial is correct.
Condition (ii) is wrong.

edit: In fact, condition (ii) contains no information in it.
 
  • #3
Should your definition of irreducible not be as follows:

For an integral domain $\mathcal{R}$,if $a\in\mathcal{R}$ and a is neither zero nor a unit;
we say that a is irreducible in $\mathcal{R}$ if whenever $a = cd$ for $c,d\in\mathcal{R}$ it follows that either c or d is a unit.
 
  • #4
A polynomial $p(x)$ is said to be irreducible if don't exist two polynomials $a(x)$ and $b(x)$, both different from $p(x)$, so that $p(x)=a(x)\ b(x)$. In our case is $p(x)=1+x^{2}$ and we have...

(i) if the coefficients of $p(x)$ are in $\mathbb{Z}$, then $p(x)$ is irreducible...

(ii) if the coefficients of $p(x)$ are in $\mathbb{R}$, then $p(x)$ is irreducible...

(iii) if the coefficients of $p(x)$ are in $\mathbb{C}$, then $p(x)$ is not irreducible because is $1+x^{2}= (1-i\ x)\ (1+i\ x)$...

(iv) if the coefficients of $p(x)$ are in $\mathbb{Z}\ \text{mod}\ 2$, then $p(x)$ is not irreducible because is $1+x^{2}= (1+x)\ (1+x)$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #5
I just got it myeslf but thanks anyway.
 

FAQ: Which Coefficient Ring Makes f=x^2+1 Irreducible?

What is meant by "irreducible" in science?

"Irreducible" in science refers to a characteristic or property of a system that cannot be broken down into simpler parts or explained by its individual components. It is often used to describe complex systems or phenomena that cannot be fully understood by examining their individual parts alone.

How is the concept of irreducibility used in scientific research?

In scientific research, the concept of irreducibility is used to study complex systems and phenomena that cannot be explained by reductionist approaches. It allows scientists to consider the relationships and interactions between different components of a system, rather than just focusing on individual parts.

What is the difference between irreducibility and emergent properties?

Irreducibility and emergent properties are related concepts, but they are not the same. Irreducibility refers to the inability to break down a system into simpler parts, while emergent properties refer to the unexpected characteristics or behavior that arise from the interactions of those parts.

How does the concept of irreducibility challenge traditional reductionist approaches in science?

The concept of irreducibility challenges traditional reductionist approaches in science by highlighting the limitations of only studying individual parts in isolation. It encourages scientists to consider the complexity of systems and the interactions between their components in order to gain a more complete understanding.

Can irreducibility be applied to all scientific fields?

Yes, the concept of irreducibility can be applied to all scientific fields. While it is often associated with complex systems in fields such as biology and ecology, it can also be applied to more reductionist fields such as chemistry and physics to gain a deeper understanding of their underlying principles.

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