(a) Suppose K,L are fields and σ1,…,σm are distinct embeddings of K into L. Prove that there do not exist elements λ1,…,λm of L (not all zero) such that
λ1σ1(x)+⋯+λmσm(x)=0 for all x∈K
(b) For a finite field extension K of a field k and for σ1,…,σm distinct k automorphisms of K, show that m⩽[K:k]. In particular, if G is a finite group of field automorphisms of a field K with KG the fixed field, deduce that ∣G∣⩽[K:KG].
(c) If K=Q(x,y) with x,y independent transcendentals over Q, consider the group G generated by automorphisms σ and τ of K, where
σ(x)=y,σ(y)=−x and τ(x)=x,τ(y)=−y.
Prove that ∣G∣=8 and that KG=Q(x2+y2,x2y2).