Determine the splitting field for a polynomial

abstract-algebraextension-field

Let $P(X)=X^4+1 \in \mathbb{Q[X]}$. Find the splitting field for $P$
over $\mathbb{C}$ and determine the degree of it over $\mathbb{C}$.

My attempt: Roots of $P$ are $\alpha_1 = \sqrt{i},\alpha_2=-\sqrt{i},\alpha_3=i^{3/2},\alpha_4=-i^{3/2}$

Now the splitting field is $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{i},i)$. Since, $i$ has minimal polynomial of degree 2, $\sqrt{i}$ has minimal polynomial of degree 4, thus $[\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{i},i):\mathbb{Q}]=[\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{i}):\mathbb{Q}]=4$

Is there a more elegant argument? Can the roots of $P$ be expressed in a better form (analogue to roots of unity for $X^n-1$)?

Best Answer

Let $\alpha=\dfrac1{\sqrt 2}(1+i)$. The roots of $P$ are $\alpha$, $\alpha^3$, $\alpha^5$ and $\alpha^7$. So the splitting field over $\Bbb Q$ is $\Bbb Q(\alpha)$.

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