The automorphisms are distinct and hence linearly independent as maps by the linear independence of distinct field embeddings. Therefore the operator
is not the zero map. Choose for which . Reindexing the sum and using gives
This is the Lagrange resolvent eigenvector for a cyclic field automorphism.
Let be the fixed field. Since , the element is a root of
Its orbit under is
and these elements are distinct because and is a primitive root of unity. Hence the minimal polynomial has at least distinct roots. It also divides the displayed degree- polynomial, so