Chapter 9: Problem 4
Determine whether the indicated pairs of elements are associates in the indicated domains. \(\begin{array}{lll}3+2 \sqrt{2} & \text { and } 1-\sqrt{2} & \text { in } \mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{2}]\end{array}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Yes, these numbers are associates because their ratio is a unit.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Context
The goal is to determine if two numbers, \(3+2\sqrt{2}\) and \(1-\sqrt{2}\), are associates in the ring \(\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{2}]\). Two elements are associates in this domain if one is a multiple of the other by a unit in \(\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{2}]\). A unit is a number whose inverse also lies in \(\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{2}]\).
02
Define the Relationship
If \(3 + 2\sqrt{2}\) and \(1 - \sqrt{2}\) are associates, then there exists a unit \(u\) in \(\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{2}]\) such that \((3 + 2\sqrt{2}) = u(1 - \sqrt{2})\). Therefore, \(u = \frac{3 + 2\sqrt{2}}{1 - \sqrt{2}}\) must be a unit.
03
Calculate the Unit
First, find \(u = \frac{3 + 2\sqrt{2}}{1 - \sqrt{2}}\). To simplify, multiply the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of \((1 - \sqrt{2})\), which is \((1 + \sqrt{2})\), to rationalize the denominator.
04
Rationalize the Denominator
Compute the new expression: \[\frac{(3 + 2\sqrt{2})(1 + \sqrt{2})}{(1 - \sqrt{2})(1 + \sqrt{2})} = \frac{(3 + 2\sqrt{2})(1 + \sqrt{2})}{1 - 2} = \frac{3 + 3\sqrt{2} + 2\sqrt{2} + 4}{-1}\]The denominator simplifies to \(-1\), so the expression becomes:\[-(3 + 3\sqrt{2} + 2\sqrt{2} + 4) = -(7 + 5\sqrt{2})\].
05
Determine If the Result Is a Unit
The expression simplifies to \(-(7 + 5\sqrt{2})\). For this to be a unit, its inverse must also be in \(\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{2}]\). Calculating the norm can help determine this. The norm \(N(a + b\sqrt{2}) = a^2 - 2b^2\). For \(-7 - 5\sqrt{2}\), the norm is \((-7)^2 - 2(-5)^2 = 49 - 50 = -1\). The norm being 1 or -1 indicates a unit.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Units in Algebraic Domains
In algebraic domains, a unit is an incredibly important concept. Imagine it as a magical number that can reverse itself!
Units have an inverse that, when multiplied with the original number, results in 1. This means, for a number to be a unit in an algebraic domain, its inverse must also belong to the same domain.
For instance, when dealing with the domain \(\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{2}]\), a number like \(a + b\sqrt{2}\) is a unit if its inverse is also of the form \(c + d\sqrt{2}\), where \(c\) and \(d\) are integers.
Units have an inverse that, when multiplied with the original number, results in 1. This means, for a number to be a unit in an algebraic domain, its inverse must also belong to the same domain.
For instance, when dealing with the domain \(\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{2}]\), a number like \(a + b\sqrt{2}\) is a unit if its inverse is also of the form \(c + d\sqrt{2}\), where \(c\) and \(d\) are integers.
- The first step is usually to find the norm, \(N(a + b\sqrt{2}) = a^2 - 2b^2\).
- If this norm equals \(1\) or \(-1\), then you likely have a unit!
Ring Theory
Ring theory is like the playground for algebraists. It involves studying sets equipped with two operations: addition and multiplication.
Rings include familiar number sets like integers, but they expand to more complex sets too.
When you encounter a problem asking whether numbers are associates in a specific domain, this is often rooted in ring theory.
Rings include familiar number sets like integers, but they expand to more complex sets too.
When you encounter a problem asking whether numbers are associates in a specific domain, this is often rooted in ring theory.
- A ring must satisfy certain criteria: closure under addition and subtraction, an additive identity (like zero), and multiplicative associativity.
- Some rings also have a multiplicative identity, like 1 for integers, which adds an interesting twist!
Rationalizing Denominators
Rationalizing denominators might sound complicated, but it's a simple process to simplify expressions.
When you have a fraction like \(\frac{3 + 2\sqrt{2}}{1 - \sqrt{2}}\), you want the denominator to be free from surds or square roots.
The trick is to multiply both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. For \(1 - \sqrt{2}\), the conjugate is \(1 + \sqrt{2}\).
When you have a fraction like \(\frac{3 + 2\sqrt{2}}{1 - \sqrt{2}}\), you want the denominator to be free from surds or square roots.
The trick is to multiply both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. For \(1 - \sqrt{2}\), the conjugate is \(1 + \sqrt{2}\).
- Multiply the numerator and denominator by \(1 + \sqrt{2}\).
- This is like using magic to make the square roots vanish!
- The denominator then transforms into a nice, simple integer, making the expression easier to handle.