Concept

Algebraic number

Summary
An algebraic number is a number that is a root of a non-zero polynomial in one variable with integer (or, equivalently, rational) coefficients. For example, the golden ratio, (1 + \sqrt{5})/2, is an algebraic number, because it is a root of the polynomial x2 − x − 1. That is, it is a value for x for which the polynomial evaluates to zero. As another example, the complex number 1 + i is algebraic because it is a root of x4 + 4. All integers and rational numbers are algebraic, as are all roots of integers. Real and complex numbers that are not algebraic, such as π and [[e (mathematical constant)|e]], are called transcendental numbers. The set of algebraic numbers is countably infinite and has measure zero in the Lebesgue measure as a subset of the uncountable complex numbers. In that sense, almost all complex numbers are transcendental. Examples
  • All rational numbers are algebraic. Any rational number, expr
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