Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-algebra-analysis-and-differential-equations-2-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2008/3/solution
Past exam of the algebra, analysis and differential equations II course of the University of Oxford 2008 3 Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-31
For the polynomial ring, use the Euclidean function on nonzero polynomials. If and , subtract the multiple of that cancels the leading term of . The leading coefficient of is invertible in the field, and every subtraction strictly lowers the degree of the remainder. This process terminates with and either or . Thus .
For the Gauss lemma for polynomials, call an integer polynomial primitive when its coefficient gcd is one. If two primitive polynomials had a nonprimitive product, a prime would divide every product coefficient. Reducing modulo would give a zero product of two nonzero polynomials in the integral domain , a contradiction. Therefore the product of primitive integer polynomials is primitive.
To transfer a rational factorization, write each nonzero rational factor as a rational scalar times a primitive integer polynomial by clearing denominators and removing the coefficient gcd. Thus with primitive and . Their product is primitive by the lemma. If in lowest terms, integrality of every coefficient of forces to divide every coefficient of , so . Hence ; absorbing into either factor produces the required integer factorization with the same positive factor degrees. In particular irreducibility of a primitive polynomial over and over is equivalent.
Finally, let in lowest terms, , be a rational root of a monic degree- integer polynomial. Multiplying the equation by shows . Coprimality forces . Thus .
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