Show that degree of $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{1+\sqrt3}):\mathbb{Q}=4$

extension-fieldfield-theorygalois-theory

I am solving an ex.: Find basis of $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{1+\sqrt3})$ and degree of $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{1+\sqrt3}):\mathbb{Q}$. SO first of all I have showed that $1+\sqrt{3}$ is not a square in $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt3)$. Also I think that degree in this exercise we find with Short Tower Law. So, degree of $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt3):\mathbb{Q}$ is $2$. How to show that degree of $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{1+\sqrt3}):\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt3)$ is also $2$? And what is the basis of $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{1+\sqrt3})$ over $\mathbb{Q}$?

Best Answer

$$\alpha =\sqrt{1+\sqrt 3}\implies \alpha ^2=1+\sqrt 3\implies \alpha ^4-2\alpha ^2-2=0,$$ this polynomial is irreducible by Eisenstein criterion. Therefore, $$[\mathbb Q(\alpha ):\mathbb Q]=4.$$

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