B3.6

Galois Theory
Part II, 2003

Let ff be a separable polynomial of degree n1n \geqslant 1 over a field KK. Explain what is meant by the Galois group Gal(f/K)\operatorname{Gal}(f / K) of ff over KK. Explain how Gal(f/K)\operatorname{Gal}(f / K) can be identified with a subgroup of the symmetric group SnS_{n}. Show that as a permutation group, Gal(f/K)\operatorname{Gal}(f / K) is transitive if and only if ff is irreducible over KK.

Show that the Galois group of f(X)=X5+20X22f(X)=X^{5}+20 X^{2}-2 over Q\mathbb{Q} is S5S_{5}, stating clearly any general results you use.

Now let K/QK / \mathbb{Q} be a finite extension of prime degree p>5p>5. By considering the degrees of the splitting fields of ff over KK and Q\mathbb{Q}, show that Gal(f/K)=S5\operatorname{Gal}(f / K)=S_{5} also.