Difference between revisions of "Field extension"

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If <math>L/K</math> is a field extension, then <math>L</math> may be thought of as a [[vector space]] over <math>K</math>. The dimension of this vector space is called the ''degree'' of the extension, and is denoted by <math>[L:K]</math>.
 
If <math>L/K</math> is a field extension, then <math>L</math> may be thought of as a [[vector space]] over <math>K</math>. The dimension of this vector space is called the ''degree'' of the extension, and is denoted by <math>[L:K]</math>.
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Given three fields <math>K\subseteq L\subseteq M</math>, then, if the degrees of the extensions <math>M/L</math>, <math>L/K</math> and <math>M/K</math>, are finite, then are related by the [[tower law]]: <cmath>[M:K] = [M:L]\cdot[L:M]</cmath>
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Revision as of 22:58, 1 September 2008

If $K$ and $L$ are fields and $K\subseteq L$, then $L/K$ is said to be a field extension. We sometimes say that $L$ is a field extension of $K$.

If $L/K$ is a field extension, then $L$ may be thought of as a vector space over $K$. The dimension of this vector space is called the degree of the extension, and is denoted by $[L:K]$.

Given three fields $K\subseteq L\subseteq M$, then, if the degrees of the extensions $M/L$, $L/K$ and $M/K$, are finite, then are related by the tower law: \[[M:K] = [M:L]\cdot[L:M]\]


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