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Part CCSIR NET December 2023irreducible-over-Q-not-mod-p

Irreducible over Q not mod p

Let f(X)=X2+X+1f(X) = X^{2} + X + 1 and g(X)=X2+X−2g(X) = X^{2} + X - 2 be polynomials in Z[X]\mathbb{Z}[X]. Which of the following statements are true?

  1. A.For all prime numbers p, f(X) mod p is irreducible in (Z/pZ)[X](\mathbb{Z}/p\mathbb{Z})[X].
  2. B.There exists a prime number p such that g(X) mod p is irreducible in (Z/pZ)[X](\mathbb{Z}/p\mathbb{Z})[X].
  3. C.g(X) is irreducible in Q[X]\mathbb{Q}[X].
  4. D.f(X) is irreducible in Q[X]\mathbb{Q}[X].✓ Correct

You have the answer. Trap Analysis is why the other three were written.

Not a worked solution repeated four times — the specific reasoning error each wrong option was built to reward, and why this one tests base field or ring.

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50 are analysed free — try those first.

The trap it tests

Base field or ring

The answer changes with the field or ring you are working over.

Drill statements like this

Related counterexample: Irreducible over ℤ ⇒ irreducible mod every prime

More on this topic

The chapter behind this: Irreducibility tests — free to read

From Rings and Fields › Polynomial rings and irreducibility tests

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