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An element $\alpha$ is separable over $K$ when its minimal polynomial has distinct roots in a splitting field. A polynomial has a repeated root exactly when it has a common root with its formal derivative. Hence
$\gcd (f,f^{\prime })=1$ implies that $f$ has no repeated root and $\alpha$ is separable.

Let $f$ be the minimal polynomial of $\beta$. Repeatedly factor through the Frobenius untilwhere $g^{\prime }\ne 0$. Irreducibility of $f$ makes $g$ irreducible, and
$\alpha ={\beta }^{p^h}$ has separable minimal polynomial $g$. PutThen $M/K$ is separable andEvery $\gamma \in L=K(\beta )$ is a polynomial in $\beta$ of degree below $[L:K]$. The freshman's-dream identity givesso $L/M$ is purely inseparable.

Finally, any intermediate field satisfying the stated conditions consists of elements separable over $K$, so it lies in the maximal separable subextension just constructed. Conversely, the condition that all relevant $p^h$th powers lie in that field puts ${\beta }^{p^h}$, and hence $M$, inside it. The two inclusions prove uniqueness.

An element $x\in L$ is separable over $K$ when its minimal polynomial $m_x(T)\in K[T]$ has distinct roots in a splitting field.

Because $m_x$ is irreducible, it is separable exactly whenIf $m_x^{\prime }\ne 0$, then $\mathrm{deg}{m}_x^{\prime }<\mathrm{deg}{m}_x$, so irreducibility makes this greatest common divisor equal to one. If $m_x^{\prime }=0$, the zero-derivative criterion givesfor some $g\in K[T]$, and $m_x$ is inseparable. Therefore