Finding irreducible polynomial for isomorphism

abstract-algebraextension-fieldirreducible-polynomials

I am struggling to understand the approach to take in the following question:

Consider the subfields $ K_1 = \mathbb{Q} $ and $ K_2 = \mathbb{Q} (\sqrt5)$ of $ \mathbb{C} $.
Find monic irreducible polynomials $ f_1 and f_2 ∈ Q[x]$ so that $ K_i \cong Q[x] / (f_i) $

I understand that $ Q[x] / (f_i) $ is a field extension but I have no idea how to start going about finding the irreducible polynomial which gives $ Q[x] / (f_i) $ the same characteristics as $ K_i $.

Any help or a sample answer greatly appreciated

Best Answer

Theorem: If $p(x)$ is irreducible polynomial in $F[x]$ and $K/F$ is some extension s.t. $\alpha \in K$ is a root of $p$, i.e. $p(\alpha) = 0$, then $F[x]/(p(x)) \cong F(\alpha)$.

For a proof see e.g. see Dummit and Foote 13.1.

This should give you a way to find the right polynomials.