Publication Date
Spring 5-2010
Major
Mathematics
Primary Subject Area
Mathematics
Keywords
Evariste Galois, Field Extensions, groups
Disciplines
Algebra | Logic and Foundations
Recommended Citation
Adams, Felicia N., "The Life of Evariste Galois and his Theory of Field Extension" (2010). Senior Honors Theses. 122.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/122
Abstract
Evariste Galois made many important mathematical discoveries in his short lifetime, yet perhaps the most important are his studies in the realm of field extensions. Through his discoveries in field extensions, Galois determined the solvability of polynomials. Namely, given a polynomial P with coefficients is in the field F and such that the equation P(x) = 0 has no solution, one can extend F into a field L with α in L, such that P(α) = 0. Whereas Galois Theory has numerous practical applications, this thesis will conclude with the examination and proof of the fact that it is impossible to trisect an angle using only a ruler and compass.
