Difference between revisions of "Gauss number"
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| − | A complex integer | + | {{TEX|done}} |
| + | A complex integer $a+bi$, where $a$ and $b$ are arbitrary rational integers. Geometrically, the Gauss numbers form the lattice of all points with integral rational coordinates on the plane. Such numbers were first considered in 1832 by C.F. Gauss in his work on [[biquadratic residue]]s. He also discovered the properties of the set $\Gamma$ of complex integers. | ||
| − | + | $\Gamma$ is an [[integral domain]]; its units (i.e. divisors of the unit element) are $1,-1,i,-i$, and there are no other units. One kind of primes (i.e. numbers that cannot be decomposed into a non-trivial product) of $\Gamma$ (the Gaussian primes) are the numbers of the form | |
| − | + | $$\alpha=a+bi$$ | |
| − | the norms (moduli) | + | the norms (moduli) $N(\alpha)=a^2+b^2=p$ of which are rational prime numbers $p$ of the form $4n+1$ or $p=2$; the other kind are rational prime numbers of the form $4n+3$. Examples of Gaussian primes are $1+i$, $1+2i$, $3+4i$, $3$, $7$, etc. |
| − | Any number in | + | Any number in $\Gamma$ can be uniquely decomposed into a product of primes in $\Gamma$, up to units and ordering. Domains with this property are called unique factorization domains or Gaussian rings (cf. also [[Factorial ring|Factorial ring]]). |
In the theory of biquadratic residues the Gaussian numbers were the first simple and important instance of an extension of the field of rational numbers. | In the theory of biquadratic residues the Gaussian numbers were the first simple and important instance of an extension of the field of rational numbers. | ||
Revision as of 07:44, 28 November 2014
A complex integer $a+bi$, where $a$ and $b$ are arbitrary rational integers. Geometrically, the Gauss numbers form the lattice of all points with integral rational coordinates on the plane. Such numbers were first considered in 1832 by C.F. Gauss in his work on biquadratic residues. He also discovered the properties of the set $\Gamma$ of complex integers.
$\Gamma$ is an integral domain; its units (i.e. divisors of the unit element) are $1,-1,i,-i$, and there are no other units. One kind of primes (i.e. numbers that cannot be decomposed into a non-trivial product) of $\Gamma$ (the Gaussian primes) are the numbers of the form
$$\alpha=a+bi$$
the norms (moduli) $N(\alpha)=a^2+b^2=p$ of which are rational prime numbers $p$ of the form $4n+1$ or $p=2$; the other kind are rational prime numbers of the form $4n+3$. Examples of Gaussian primes are $1+i$, $1+2i$, $3+4i$, $3$, $7$, etc.
Any number in $\Gamma$ can be uniquely decomposed into a product of primes in $\Gamma$, up to units and ordering. Domains with this property are called unique factorization domains or Gaussian rings (cf. also Factorial ring).
In the theory of biquadratic residues the Gaussian numbers were the first simple and important instance of an extension of the field of rational numbers.
References
| [1] | C.F. Gauss, "Disquisitiones Arithmeticae" , Yale Univ. Press (1966) (Translated from Latin) |
Comments
References
| [a1] | G.H. Hardy, E.M. Wright, "An introduction to the theory of numbers" , Clarendon Press (1960) pp. Chapt. XV |
How to Cite This Entry:
Gauss number. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Gauss_number&oldid=15950
Gauss number. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Gauss_number&oldid=15950
This article was adapted from an original article by B.M. Bredikhin (originator), which appeared in Encyclopedia of Mathematics - ISBN 1402006098. See original article