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For what values of $x,y,z\in\mathbb{Z}$, such that $0\leq x,y,z\leq 2, $ the real number $$\alpha:=\frac{1}{3}\left(x+\sqrt[3]{175} \cdot y+\sqrt[3]{245}\cdot z\right)$$ is an algebraic integer i.e. root of a monic polynomial in $\mathbb{Z}[x]$ ?

I tried to compute the norm but the computation is getting ugly. Also if we can find those $x,y,z $ for which the $\mathbb{Z}$-module generated by $1,\alpha ,\alpha^2,\ldots$ is finitely generated, then those are the required algebraic integers. Can this be done ? Also I would like to know if there are any other simpler approach.

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2 Answers 2

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Let $\vartheta=\sqrt[3]{175}$, and let $K=\mathbb{Q}(\vartheta)$. Then it can be shown that $1, \vartheta, \frac{\vartheta^2}{5}$ is an integral basis for $K$. This should prompt you towards the discovery that $\sqrt[3]{245}=\frac{\vartheta^2}{5}$, and hence $\alpha=\frac{1}{3}(x+y\vartheta+\frac{z}{5}\vartheta^2)$.

So you would require $3\mid x,y,z$ if $\alpha$ was to be an algebraic integer. Given that $0\le x,y,z\le 2$, this can only happen if $x=y=z=0$.


Edit. Again let $K=\mathbb{Q}(\vartheta)\cong\mathbb{Q}[x]/(x^3-175)=\mathbb{Q}[x]/(f)$. Recall that $\Delta(\vartheta)=[\mathcal{O}_K:\mathbb{Z}[\vartheta]]^2\Delta_K$, and $\Delta(\vartheta)=-27(-175)^2=-826875=-3^3\cdot 5^4\cdot 7^2$. So the only rational primes that could divide the index are $3$, $5$, and $7$, and we can factor $(3)$, $(5)$, and $(7)$ to see whether or not they do..

($p=3$) Then $f(x)=(x-2)^3$ modulo $3$. Since $3^2\nmid f(2)$, $(3)=\mathfrak{p}_3^3$, where $\mathfrak{p}_3=(3,\vartheta-2)$ is invertible: so $3$ does not divide the index.

($p=7$) Then $f(x)=x^3$ modulo $7$. Since $7^2\nmid f(0)$, $(7)=\mathfrak{p}_7^3$, where $\mathfrak{p}_7=(7,\vartheta)$ is invertible: so $7$ does not divide the index.

($p=5$) Then $f(x)=x^3$ again modulo $5$. But $5^2\mid f(0)$, so we know that we need to enlarge our ring, and we can take an element in $\mathcal{O}_K\setminus\mathbb{Z}[\vartheta]$. When dividing $f(x)$ by $x$ (it's irreducible factor modulo $5$), we get $f(x)=\color{red}{x^2}\cdot x-175$, hence $\frac{\vartheta^2}{5}\in\mathcal{O}_K\setminus\mathbb{Z}[\alpha]$.

Now the minimal polynomial of $\frac{\vartheta^2}{5}$ is $g(x)=x^3-245$, and $g(x)=x^3$ modulo $5$. Since $5^2\nmid g(0)$, we know that this is the only element we need to add to $\mathbb{Z}[\vartheta]$, and $\mathcal{O}_K=\mathbb{Z}[\vartheta, \frac{\vartheta^2}{5}]$.

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  • $\begingroup$ How do you show that $1,\vartheta,\vartheta^2/5$ is an integral basis ? Actually I encountered this problem while trying to show that $1,\vartheta,\vartheta^2/5$ is an integral basis, in that case the argument would be cyclic. But still there might be a different way to show that this is an integral basis. $\endgroup$
    – pritam
    May 20, 2013 at 17:19
  • $\begingroup$ @pritam I've edited my answer with the reasons why. This will depend upon the methods you're familiar with however: I have used the Kummer-Dedekind theorem which you can find at math.stackexchange.com/a/366396/63412. $\endgroup$ May 20, 2013 at 17:38
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$5 \, \sqrt[3]{245} = ( \sqrt[3]{175})^2$.

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    $\begingroup$ It might help if you can provide some hints at how you came to this answer. Regards $\endgroup$
    – Amzoti
    May 20, 2013 at 17:07

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