[Math] Can the Dedekind zeta function distinguish between real and imaginary quadratic number fields

algebraic-number-theoryanalytic-number-theorynt.number-theorynumber-fieldszeta-functions

Suppose I am given a machine that gives me the coefficients $a_1$, $a_2$, $a_3$, … of a Dirichlet series
$$\sum_1^{\infty} \frac{a_n}{n^s} $$
and assume that I know that this Dirichlet series is the Dedekind zeta function of a quadratic number field. Is there any kind of algorithm which allows me to determine whether the number field is real or imaginary?

Best Answer

Not without an upper bound on the absolute value of the discriminant $\Delta$, because any finite list of $a_n$ amounts to a congruence condition on $\Delta$ that is satisfied by infinitely many $\Delta$ of either sign.

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