Math 2.0

Field theory and polynomials Proposition

Every element of a finite field of order q satisfies x^q = x

Builds on Finite fieldGroup of units of a ring

Statement

Let FF be a finite field of order qq. Then aq=aa^q = a for every a∈Fa \in F, and xq−x=∏a∈F(x−a)in F[x].x^q - x = \prod_{a \in F} (x - a) \quad \text{in } F[x].

Remarks

The proof: the group of units F×F^\times has order q−1q - 1, so aq−1=1a^{q-1} = 1 for a≠0a \neq 0, by Lagrange's theorem. Then aq=aa^q = a for all aa, also for a=0a = 0. So the qq elements of FF are qq distinct roots of xq−xx^q - x, which has degree qq. This gives the factorisation. For q=pq = p prime, ap=aa^p = a in ℤ/pℤ\mathbb{Z}/p\mathbb{Z} is Fermat's little theorem.

Reading path

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  1. Group concept
  2. Ring definition
  3. Commutative ring definition
  4. Unit of a ring definition
  5. Field definition
  6. Group of units of a ring definition
  7. Finite field definition
  8. Every element of a finite field of order q satisfies x^q = x statement

Where this leads

7 pages build on this one.

Further reading

  1. Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finite_field, Multiplicative structure
About this page
Tag0QWR8WTZEW
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Kindstatement, proposition
WritingW0 stub
MSC12E20
StatusThis copy of the site has no build data. Run m2 status 0QWR8WTZEW.
UsesFinite field, Group of units of a ring

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