Algebra Prelim Written Exam Fall 2009

Questions are equally weighted. Give essential exjilanalions and justifications: a large
part of each question is demonstration that you understand the context and understand
which issues arc primary. Do not choose assumptions or contexts making the problems
silly. Coherent writing is essential: your paper should not be a puzzle for the ginder.

Write your codename, not actual name, on each booklet. No notes, books, calculators,
computers, cell phones, wireless, bluctooth, or other communication devices may be used
during the exam.

[l] Suppose a finite group G has normal subgroups A, B such that A n B = {c} and
A B = G. Prove that G is the direct product of A and B.

[2] Exhibit a non-abelian group of order 21.

[3] Let G be a finite abelian group of linear automorphisms of a finite-dimensional

complex vector space V. Prove that V has a basis of simultaneous eigenvectors for G.

[4] Prove that x5 + y5 + 35 is irreducible in C[x, y,z\.

[5] Let f be a primitive seventeenth root of unity. Find all intermediate fields between
Q and Q(0> expressing a generator for each in terms of radicals.

[6] Show that a:8 + x3 + 1 is irreducible in ^2(3;], for F2 a field with two elements.

[7] Show that wz4 4z + 1 = 0 has multiple roots z only for w = 27.