[Math] Computing the minimal polynomial over $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{3})$

field-theory

Let $F:=\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{1+\sqrt{3}})$ and $\alpha=\sqrt{1+\sqrt{3}}$. I have to find the minimal polynomial of $\alpha$ over $\mathbb{Q}$ and over $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{3})$. I also need to show that $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{3})$ is contained in $F$.

My attempt, the minimal polynomial over $\mathbb{Q}$ is $x^4-2x^2-2$, which is irreducible by Eisenstein's criterion. How to find the minimal polynomial over $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{3})$?

And for the second one $\sqrt{3}=\alpha^2-1$, that's how we can show the containment. Right?

Best Answer

Your first minimum polynomial is correct and your method for showing containment is fine. In regards to finding the minimum polynomial over $\mathbb Q(\sqrt{3})$ the usual method is to write the equation

$$x=\sqrt{1+\sqrt{3}}$$

in terms of elements in the base field. Squaring both sides we have

$$x^2=1+\sqrt{3}$$

notice that $1+\sqrt{3} \in \mathbb Q(\sqrt{3})$. In order to show this polynomial is irreducible you have to be a little clever. Notice that $[\mathbb Q(\sqrt{3}):\mathbb Q]=2$ and $[\mathbb Q(\alpha) : \mathbb Q]=4$ so that tells us the degree of the minimum polynomial of $\alpha$ over $\mathbb Q(\sqrt{3})$ is either $2$ or $4$. Hence our polynomial is irreducible because it cannot be of a lower degree.