[Math] Example of finite extension which is not finitely generated extension

abstract-algebrafield-theory

I just read the theorem Finitely Generated Algebraic Extension is Finite. So a field being finitely generated and algebraic is a sufficient condition for it being finite. Is it also a necessary condition? In particular, can you give an example of:

A finite extension $K/F$ which is not finitely generated (by $F$ or its subfield)?

or does this always hold?

Best Answer

If $K/F$ is finite, say $n = [K:F] < \infty$, then (by definition) $K = \text{Span}_F\{k_1,\ldots,k_n\}$ where $k_i \in K$ for each $i$. Hence every element of $K$ can be written as a finite linear combination of the $k_i$ over $F$, and so we know $K \subseteq F[k_1,\ldots,k_n]$. At the same time $F[k_1,\ldots,k_n] \subseteq K$ is clear since $K$ is closed under addition and multiplication. So $K = F[k_1,\ldots,k_n] = F(k_1,\ldots,k_n)$ is finitely generated.

Related Question