B4.3

Galois Theory
Part II, 2002

Suppose K,LK, L are fields and σ1,,σm\sigma_{1}, \ldots, \sigma_{m} are distinct embeddings of KK into LL. Prove that there do not exist elements λ1,,λm\lambda_{1}, \ldots, \lambda_{m} of LL (not all zero) such that λ1σ1(x)++\lambda_{1} \sigma_{1}(x)+\ldots+ λmσm(x)=0\lambda_{m} \sigma_{m}(x)=0 for all xKx \in K. Deduce that if K/kK / k is a finite extension of fields, and σ1,,σm\sigma_{1}, \ldots, \sigma_{m} are distinct kk-automorphisms of KK, then m[K:k]m \leqslant[K: k].

Suppose now that KK is a Galois extension of kk with Galois group cyclic of order nn, where nn is not divisible by the characteristic. If kk contains a primitive nnth root of unity, prove that KK is a radical extension of kk. Explain briefly the relevance of this result to the problem of solubility of cubics by radicals.