Re: [math-fun] Algebraic number question

Actually, I was using the Unicode square root symbol, which got ASCIIcked to a v.

-----Original Message----- From: math-fun [mailto:math-fun-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of rcs@xmission.com Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2017 7:10 PM To: math-fun@mailman.xmission.com Cc: rcs@xmission.com Subject: Re: [math-fun] Algebraic number question

[Wilson is using 'v' to mean square-root. I typically use q or r. --rcs]

This sort of thing happens in some (all?) extension fields based on pure radicals. In your example, imagine running through the sign changes on +-v8 and +-v5. If you flip v5, your equation changes into

1 / (v8 - v5 - 5) = 1/4 * (-5v10 - 7v5 + 11v2 + 15) = small