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For two arbitrary finite sequences of naturals $a_1, a_2, \cdots a_n$ and $b_1, b_2, b_3 \cdots b_n$ let

$$c = \sum_{i=1}^n (a_i)^{\frac{1}{b_i}}$$

Is there an algorithm which generates the monic polynomial $p \in \Bbb Z[X] $ of smallest degree such that $p(c) = 0$?

Motivation: I'm interested in generalizing the result in this question.

Edit: The "motivation" has an answer as linked in the comments. My idea was using the rational root theorem instead. Nevertheless, I think this problem is somewhat interesting by itself. Another related problem is this.

1 Answers1

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Yes, however I will not claim that it is an efficient algorithm for large $ b_k $.

Consider the number field $ K $ generated over $ \mathbf Q $ by all summands. Since we lack information about how linearly independent this set actually is, we take care and treat it as a spanning set, not a basis. Multiplication by $ c $ induces a $ \mathbf Q $-linear endomorphism of $ K $, which can be put into matrix form with respect to the spanning set containing the summands in $ c $ and their powers. Then, Cayley-Hamilton gives us a monic polynomial $ P \in \mathbf Z[X] $ of degree $ b_1 b_2 \ldots b_n $ such that $ P(c) = 0 $.

Now, it is necessary to factor this polynomial into irreducibles. There are many known algorithms to do this: Zassenhaus, Kronecker, LLL to name a few. Upon factoring, we may test which factor has $ c $ as a root, and conclude that it must be the minimal polynomial.

Ege Erdil
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